Representation, Control, or Reasoning? Distinct Functions for Theory of Mind within the Medial Prefrontal Cortex

A collection of 11 brain maps. Each brain map is a 3D array of values representing properties of the brain at different locations.

### Collection description

<p>The medial pFC (mPFC) is frequently reported to play a central role in Theory of Mind (ToM). However, the contribution of this large cortical region in ToM is not well understood. Combining a novel behavioral task with fMRI, we sought to demonstrate functional divisions between dorsal and rostral mPFC. All conditions of the task required the representation of mental states (beliefs and desires). The level of demands on cognitive control (high vs. low) and the nature of the demands on reasoning (deductive vs. abductive) were varied orthogonally between conditions. Activation in dorsal mPFC was modulated by the need for control, whereas rostral mPFC was modulated by reasoning demands. These findings fit with previously suggested domain-general functions for different parts of mPFC and suggest that these functions are recruited selectively in the service of ToM. </p>

{'A collection of 11 brain maps': '一套包含11张脑图谱的集合', 'Each brain map is a 3D array of values representing properties of the brain at different locations': '每张脑图谱均代表不同位置的脑部属性的三维数值阵列', 'The medial pFC (mPFC) is frequently reported to play a central role in Theory of Mind (ToM)': '内侧前额叶皮层（mPFC）频繁被报道在心智理论（ToM）中扮演核心角色', 'However, the contribution of this large cortical region in ToM is not well understood': '然而，该大脑皮层大区域在心智理论中的贡献尚未得到充分理解', 'Combining a novel behavioral task with fMRI, we sought to demonstrate functional divisions between dorsal and rostral mPFC': '结合一项新颖的行为任务与功能性磁共振成像技术，我们旨在展示背侧与腹侧mPFC之间的功能分区', 'All conditions of the task required the representation of mental states (beliefs and desires)': '任务的所有条件均要求表征心理状态（信念与欲望）', 'The level of demands on cognitive control (high vs. low) and the nature of the demands on reasoning (deductive vs. abductive) were varied orthogonally between conditions': '认知控制要求（高与低）以及推理要求（演绎与归纳）的性质在不同条件间进行了正交变化', 'Activation in dorsal mPFC was modulated by the need for control, whereas rostral mPFC was modulated by reasoning demands': '背侧mPFC的激活受到控制需求的调节，而腹侧mPFC则受到推理需求的调节', 'These findings fit with previously suggested domain-general functions for different parts of mPFC and suggest that these functions are recruited selectively in the service of ToM': '这些发现与之前对mPFC不同部分所提出的领域通用功能相吻合，并表明这些功能在心智理论的服务中具有选择性调用'}