Self-Recognition and the Right Prefrontal Cortex
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2000
Abstract
Although the anatomical and functional substrates subserving face recognition have been subject to extensive investigation, the underpinnings of self-face recognition are not well understood. Given the evidence that own-face recognition has been demonstrated by a select number of species, it is intriguing to speculate whether self-face recognition is accomplished via a 'self-network' or simply a 'face-network' within the brain. Furthermore, the relationship of self-recognition to other self-processes, such as self- evaluation and autobiographical retrieval, are not clearly defined. However, data from fMRI, ERPs and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation as well as from split-brain studies and patients with focal lesions, indicate that the prefrontal cortex, with possible right hemisphere lateralization, may be a preferential component in self-recognition. Studies using these methods, as well as PET, have indicated that the self-processes of self-evaluation and autobiographical memory preferentially engage networks within the right fronto-temporal region. Although it is highly improbable that there is a 'self-recognition' or 'self' center, it appears that there may be a bias for the processing of 'self' within the right prefrontal cortex.
DOI
10.1016/S1364-6613(00)01521-7
Montclair State University Digital Commons Citation
Keenan, Julian; Wheeler, Mark A.; Gallup, Gordon G.; and Pascual-Leone, Alvaro, "Self-Recognition and the Right Prefrontal Cortex" (2000). Department of Biology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works. 43.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/biology-facpubs/43