Brain, Vol. 122, No. 2, 370,
February 1999
© 1999 Oxford University Press
Book Reviews |
THE PREFRONTAL CORTEX.
By Joaquin M. Fuster.1997. Pp. 352. Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven.Price £60. ISBN 0-397-51849-8..
Department of Neurology, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
In the first edition of The Prefrontal Cortex the author set out his hypothesis concerning the functions of the prefrontal association cortex. These are conceived as being not modality specific but as integrative in nature, orchestrating the `sensory' and `motor' functions of the posterior and anterior association cortices in `perception-action' cycles. Under the supervisory role of the prefrontal cortex these perception action cycles when temporally integrative achieve goal directed behaviour. The integrated processes, based structurally on reciprocal connections between cortical and subcortical sites, are threefold and correspond to the neuropsychological processes of working memory, motor attention and inhibitory control. Working memory entails the provisional retention of `sensorimotor' information for prospective action. Motor attention comprises the selection of motor acts from established repertoires to permit the execution of temporally extended acts or goals. An inhibitory control system protects these preliminary plans from sensorimotor memories, especially those similar to, but inappropriate to, current action. The process of working memory and motor attention depends on the functioning of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, whereas inhibitory control requires orbitomedial cortical activation.
In this second edition of the text, Dr Fuster draws on new knowledge to support his model of prefrontal cortical function. To the earlier and now expanded chapters on anatomy, neurophysiology, and animal and human neuropsychology have been added comprehensive entries on chemical neurotransmission and the neuroimaging of the frontal lobes.
In the final chapter all these new sources of information are integrated in what is essentially a neuronal network model of prefrontal cortical function, which is considered mutually reconcilable with and complementary to other recent cognitive hierarchical models. This enriched edition of a standard text is essential reading for basic scientists and clinicians interested in the functions and dysfunctions of the frontal lobes of the brain.
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