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Did you know? The posterior cingulate cortex is the command center of the brain's "inner world"!
The posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) is located at the tail of the cingulate cortex, opposite the anterior cingulate cortex, and is a crucial part of the brain. It is considered the command center of the "inner world" and is responsible for a variety of functions related to cognition and emotion. Structurally, the PCC is part of a specific region of the brain that is closely related to the limbic system. Many studies have pointed out that the PCC is not only a core node in the default mode network, but also communicates with multiple other networks in the brain.
"High functional connectivity of the posterior cingulate cortex demonstrates its importance in cognitive processes."
Anatomy and tissue structure
The location and boundaries of the PCC are clear. It is located in the posterior part of the cingulate gyrus, adjacent to the insula, the epidermal cortex and other areas. This region encompasses Brodmann's areas 23 and 31 and has fewer than six layers of cellularity, showing that it is distinct from the neocortex and more primitive limbic structures.
Functions and functions
PCC has a wide range of functions involving emotional processing, memory recall and internal dialogue. In multiple studies, the PCC has shown strong activity during successful recall of personal experiences, especially when recalling emotionally intense autobiographical memories.
"Research shows that activity in the posterior cingulate cortex increases significantly when autobiographical memories are successfully recalled."
Built-in control network
As the core node of the default mode network, PCC’s activities show distinctive characteristics. PCC activity is suppressed during external attention tasks and enhanced during internal activities such as thinking about memory. This switching between internal and external activities is key to the cognitive function of the brain.
"The posterior cingulate cortex plays a trend control role in regulating internal and external attention."
Related diseases
The structural and functional abnormalities of the posterior cingulate cortex are closely related to a variety of neurological and psychiatric diseases. Alzheimer's patients often show reduced metabolism of PCC, which is considered an early sign of the disease. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with functional abnormalities, and PCC dysfunction may impede social functioning.
Contemplation and PCC
Recent research shows that PCC activity decreases during meditation and increases during internal reflection. This suggests that the PCC plays a crucial role in the adjustment of mind and cognition.
Conclusion
In short, the posterior cingulate cortex serves as the "inner world" command center of the brain, and its role in emotion, memory, attention and various cognitive functions deserves further exploration by researchers. As our understanding of this region grows, will we be able to uncover more clearly the nature of self-awareness?
