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The neural network involved in a bimanual tactile–tactile matching discrimination task: a functional imaging study at 3 T

  • Functional Neuroradiology
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Abstract

Introduction

The cerebral and cerebellar network involved in a bimanual object recognition was studied in blood oxygenation dependent level functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Methods

Nine healthy right-handed volunteers were scanned (1) while performing bilateral finger movements (nondiscrimination motor task), and (2) while performing a bimanual tactile–tactile matching discrimination task using small chess pieces (tactile discrimination task).

Results

Extensive activations were specifically observed in the parietal (SII, superior lateral lobule), insular, prefrontal, cingulate and neocerebellar cortices (HVIII), with a left predominance in motor areas, during the tactile discrimination task in contrast to the findings during the nondiscrimination motor task.

Conclusion

Bimanual tactile–tactile matching discrimination recruits multiple sensorimotor and associative cerebral and neocerebellar networks (including the cerebellar second homunculus, HVIII), comparable to the neural circuits involved in unimanual tactile object recognition.

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Conflict of interest statement

We declare that we have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Service de NeuroImagerie, Hôpital des Quinze-Vingts, UPMC Paris 6, 28, rue de Charenton, 75012, Paris, France

    Christophe Habas & Emmanuel Alain Cabanis

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  1. Christophe Habas
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  2. Emmanuel Alain Cabanis
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Correspondence to Christophe Habas.

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Habas, C., Cabanis, E.A. The neural network involved in a bimanual tactile–tactile matching discrimination task: a functional imaging study at 3 T. Neuroradiology 49, 681–688 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-007-0239-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-007-0239-8

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