Working memory load modulates the auditory “What” and “Where” neural networks

Abstract

Working memory for sound identity (What) and sound location (Where) has been associated with increased neural activity in ventral and dorsal brain regions, respectively. To further ascertain this domain specificity, we measured fMRI signals during an n-back (n=1, 2) working memory task for sound identity or location, where stimuli selected randomly from three semantic categories (human, animal, and music) were presented at three possible virtual locations. Accuracy and reaction times were comparable in both “What” and “Where” tasks, albeit worse for the 2-back than for the 1-back condition. The analysis of fMRI data revealed greater activity in ventral and dorsal brain regions during sound identity and sound location, respectively. More importantly, there was an interaction between task and working memory load in the inferior parietal lobule (IPL). Within the right IPL, there were two sub-regions modulated differentially by working memory load: an anterior ventromedial region modulated by location load and a posterior dorsolateral region modulated by category load. These specific changes in neural activity as a function of working memory load reveal domain-specificity within the parietal cortex.