Are the neural correlates of consciousness in the front or in the back of the cerebral cortex? Clinical and neuroimaging evidence
Melanie Boly, Marcello Massimini, Naotsugu Tsychiya, Bradley R. Postle, Christof Koch, Giulio Tononi
bioRxiv Preprint Server March 19, 2017 preprint DOI: 10.1101/118273
Summary
The precise location of consciousness within the brain's intricate network has long been debated. A comprehensive review of clinical and brain imaging evidence explores whether the frontal cortex or other posterior regions are more crucial for our conscious experience. By meticulously synthesizing diverse findings on brain activity, the analysis clarifies the distinct contributions of these areas to consciousness, offering significant insights into how awareness emerges.
Abstract
The role of the frontal cortex in consciousness remains a matter of debate. In this Perspective, we will critically review the clinical and neuroimaging evidence for the involvement of the front versus back of the cortex in specifying conscious contents and discuss promising research avenues.