The visual prefrontal cortex of anthropoids: interaction with temporal cortex in decision making and its role in the making of "visual animals".

The ventral prefrontal cortex (PFC) of primates-a region strongly implicated in decision making-receives highly processed visual sensory inputs from the inferior temporal cortex (ITC) and perirhinal cortex (PRC) and can therefore be considered visual PFC. Usually, the functions of temporal cortex and visual PFC have been discussed in separate literatures. By considering them together, we aim to clarify the ways in which fronto-temporal networks guide decision making. After discussing the ways in which visual PFC interacts with temporal cortex to promote decision making, we offer specific predictions about the selective roles of the ITC- and PRC-based fronto-temporal networks. Finally, we suggest that an increased reliance on visual PFC in anthropoid primates led to our emergence as 'visual' animals.

Citation

Mark A G Eldridge, Brendan E Hines, Elisabeth A Murray. The visual prefrontal cortex of anthropoids: interaction with temporal cortex in decision making and its role in the making of "visual animals". Current opinion in behavioral sciences. 2021 Oct;41:22-29

PMID: 33796638

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