Abstract
The angular gyrus (AG) is a hub of several networks that are involved in various functions, including attention, self-processing, semantic information processing, emotion regulation, and mentalizing. Since these functions are required in music performance, it is likely that the AG plays a role in music performance. Considering that these functions emerge as network properties, this study analyzed the functional connectivity of the AG during the imagined music performance task and the resting condition. Our hypothesis was that the functional connectivity of the AG is modulated by imagined music performance. In the resting condition, the AG had connections with the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), and precuneus as well as the superior and inferior frontal gyri and with the temporal cortex. Compared with the resting condition, imagined music performance increased the functional connectivity of the AG with the superior frontal gyrus (SFG), mPFC, precuneus, PCC, hippocampal/parahippocampal gyrus (H/PHG), and amygdala. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and superior temporal gyrus (STG) were newly engaged or added to the AG network during the task. In contrast, the supplementary motor area (SMA), sensorimotor areas, and occipital regions, which were anti-correlated with the AG in the resting condition, were disengaged during the task. These results lead to the conclusion that the functional connectivity of the AG is modulated by imagined music performance, which suggests that the AG plays a role in imagined music performance.
Highlights
The angular gyrus (AG; Brodmann area 39) resides in the posterior part of the inferior parietal lobule (IPL), which is greatly expanded in humans compared with other primates and is associated with higher cognitive functions (Fjell et al, 2015)
The AG positively correlated with the superior frontal gyrus (SFG), inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), medial prefrontal cortex, precuneus, posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), and temporal cortex
Imagined music performance modulated the functional connectivity of the AG with many regions including the SFG, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), cingulate cortex, precuneus, supplementary motor area (SMA), sensorimotor areas, operculum, superior temporal gyrus (STG), hippocampal/parahippocampal gyrus (H/PHG), amygdala, and occipital regions
Summary
The angular gyrus (AG; Brodmann area 39) resides in the posterior part of the inferior parietal lobule (IPL), which is greatly expanded in humans compared with other primates and is associated with higher cognitive functions (Fjell et al, 2015). The AG is a rich-club node (Grayson et al, 2014), and its diverse functioning is substantiated by the widespread structural and functional connections with many brain regions (Seghier, 2013). Previous studies further suggested that the AG is a connector hub (Xu et al, 2016) that is involved in several functional networks, including the default mode network (DMN) and the cingulo-opercular, fronto-parietal, and ventral attention networks (Igelström and Graziano, 2017). A review of the functions and networks of the AG suggested that ‘‘the AG emerges as a cross-modal hub where converging multisensory information is combined and integrated to comprehend and give sense to events, manipulate mental representations, solve familiar problems, and reorient attention to relevant information’’ (Seghier, 2013, p.43)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
