Department of Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel.
Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel.
Cereb Cortex. 2022 Sep 4;32(18):3945-3958. doi: 10.1093/cercor/bhab458.
Face recognition is dependent on computations conducted in specialized brain regions and the communication among them, giving rise to the face-processing network. We examined whether modularity of this network may underlie the vast individual differences found in human face recognition abilities. Modular networks, characterized by strong within and weaker between-network connectivity, were previously suggested to promote efficacy and reduce interference among cognitive systems and also correlated with better cognitive abilities. The study was conducted in a large sample (n = 409) with diffusion-weighted imaging, resting-state fMRI, and a behavioral face recognition measure. We defined a network of face-selective regions and derived a novel measure of communication along with structural and functional connectivity among them. The modularity of this network was positively correlated with recognition abilities even when controlled for age. Furthermore, the results were specific to the face network when compared with the place network or to spatially permuted null networks. The relation to behavior was also preserved at the individual-edge level such that a larger correlation to behavior was found within hemispheres and particularly within the right hemisphere. This study provides the first evidence of modularity-behavior relationships in the domain of face processing and more generally in visual perception.
人脸识别依赖于专门的大脑区域进行的计算以及它们之间的通信，从而产生了面部处理网络。我们研究了该网络的模块性是否可能是人类面部识别能力存在巨大个体差异的基础。具有强内部连接和弱外部连接的模块化网络，先前被认为可以提高认知系统的效率并减少干扰，并且与更好的认知能力相关。这项研究在一个包含 409 名参与者的大样本中进行，采用了弥散加权成像、静息态 fMRI 和行为面部识别测试。我们定义了一个面部选择性区域网络，并得出了一种新的通讯测量方法，以及它们之间的结构和功能连接。即使在控制年龄的情况下，该网络的模块性也与识别能力呈正相关。此外，与空间置换的无效网络相比，该结果与位置网络相比具有特异性。这种关系在个体边缘水平上也得到了保留，即在大脑半球内部，特别是在右半球内部，与行为的相关性更大。这项研究首次提供了面部处理领域以及更普遍的视觉感知领域中模块性与行为关系的证据。
