The Role of Human Prefrontal Cortex in Motivated Perception and Behavior: A Macroscopic Perspective

Abstract

This chapter discusses a framework for the understanding of perception and action regulation in the presence of behaviorally relevant information. The role of large-scale prefrontal cortex (PFC) networks in dynamic and variable neuronal architecture underlying this particular function is highlighted. Evidence is presented supporting the view that macroscopic (neural mass) oscillations are crucial for signal transmission and plastic changes in these networks. Thus, important aspects of PFC functioning can be studied using large-scale electrocortical measures with respect to time course and topography, employing frequency-domain analyses. These issues are illustrated with experimental data from studies of selective attention, operant conditioning, gestalt perception, and emotional perception. The chapter concludes with a discussion of elements for a model of plastic perception-action regulation as mediated by dynamic cortical networks.KeywordsPFC networksneuroplasticityEEGMEGemotionmotivationvisual perceptionhuman