Functional network analysis of the sub-regions of the primary motor cortex during rest

Neuroreport. 2020 Jun 7;31(9):691-695. doi: 10.1097/WNR.0000000000001470.

Abstract

The cytoarchitectonic properties of the primary motor cortex have shown two distinct sub-regions: Anterior Broadmann area 4 (BA4a) and Posterior Broadmann area 4 (BA4p). Some previous studies have suggested that these two sub-regions are functionally different and showed that in few fMRI experiments, these sub-regions may have different roles in brain functions. Resting-state fMRI (rsfMRI) is advanced technique that allows investigating in detail the functional connectivity and provides a greater understanding of the physiological behavior of different brain regions. In this study, 198 healthy subjects were examined using a region-based rsfMRI analysis to investigate whether BA4a and BA4p have similar or different connections to other brain networks. The finding shows that indeed these two sub-regions have distinct connectivity to different brain networks. BA4a has a greater connection to motor-related areas while BA4p has connections to nonmotor-related areas (such as sensory, attentional, and higher order regions), suggesting that these two sub-regions should be considered as two separate regions of interests.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brain Mapping / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Motor Cortex / physiology*
  • Neural Pathways / physiology
  • Young Adult