The role of temporal cortex in the control of attention

• Published in: Current research in neurobiology Vol. 3; p. 100038
• Main Authors: Ramezanpour, Hamidreza, Fallah, Mazyar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.01.2022; Elsevier
• Subjects: Active vision; Attention; Cognitive programs; Executive control; Review; Social interactions; Temporal cortex attention network; TAN; DAN; GFP; Cognitive programs; VAN; Social interactions; Executive control; Attention; mid-STS; Active vision; Temporal cortex attention network; pITd; pITd, Dorsal part of the posterior inferotemporal cortex; TAN, Temporal cortex attention network; mid-STS, Middle part of the superior temporal sulcus; DAN, Dorsal attention network; GFP, Gaze following patch; VAN, Ventral attention network
• ISSN: 2665-945X; 2665-945X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2022.100038

Attention is an indispensable component of active vision. Contrary to the widely accepted notion that temporal cortex processing primarily focusses on passive object recognition, a series of very recent studies emphasize the role of temporal cortex structures, specifically the superior temporal sulcus (STS) and inferotemporal (IT) cortex, in guiding attention and implementing cognitive programs relevant for behavioral tasks. The goal of this theoretical paper is to advance the hypothesis that the temporal cortex attention network (TAN) entails necessary components to actively participate in attentional control in a flexible task-dependent manner. First, we will briefly discuss the general architecture of the temporal cortex with a focus on the STS and IT cortex of monkeys and their modulation with attention. Then we will review evidence from behavioral and neurophysiological studies that support their guidance of attention in the presence of cognitive control signals. Next, we propose a mechanistic framework for executive control of attention in the temporal cortex. Finally, we summarize the role of temporal cortex in implementing cognitive programs and discuss how they contribute to the dynamic nature of visual attention to ensure flexible behavior. [Display omitted] •The temporal cortex is not just a passive analyzer of sensory information to facilitate object recognition.•Cognitive control of attention recruits a temporal cortex attention network (TAN) to support flexible behavior.•Active vision by the TAN generalizes the existence of attention controllers and priority maps to non-oculomotor structures.•Functional properties of the TAN can be beneficial for action understanding and social interactions.