Neural correlates of self-face recognition: an effect-location meta-analysis

Brain Res. 2008 Sep 26:1232:173-84. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2008.07.010. Epub 2008 Jul 11.

Abstract

Recent evidence from neuropsychological patients with focalized lesions and functional brain imaging studies indicate that processing of self is distinguishable from processing of information about others (e.g., recognizing a familiar face). Here, we conduct an effect-location meta-analysis (Fox et al., 1998) of 9 functional neuroimaging studies of self-face recognition. The evidence provides support for a right-dominated, but largely bilaterally distributed model for self-face processing. Four areas are consistently activated: the left fusiform gyrus, bilateral middle and inferior frontal gyri, and right precuneus. The evidence is interpreted in light of a developing model of self-face recognition as part of a larger social cognitive stream of processing.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cerebral Cortex / anatomy & histology
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiology*
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Cognition Disorders / pathology
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology
  • Face*
  • Functional Laterality / physiology
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Models, Neurological
  • Recognition, Psychology / physiology*
  • Self Concept
  • Social Behavior