Cortical activation during retrieval of arithmetical facts and actual calculation: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1819.2000.00739.x
• Publication Date: 2003-03-12T16:30:34Z
• Authors: Hiroaki Kazui; Hajime Kitagaki; Etsuro Mori
• Keywords: Intraparietal sulcus; Subtraction; Premotor cortex; Arithmetic function; Frontal lobe; Parietal lobe; Supplementary motor area

By using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the neural substrates involved in mental recitation of single-digit multiplication table and serial subtraction were studied. The former depends mostly on well-learned arithmetical facts, while latter requires arithmetic processing. Activation during each task was compared with that a number counting control. During multiplication, activated regions included area lying along left intraparietal sulcus, premotor supplementary motor areas, posterior portion inferior frontal gyrus. areas these as well bilateral prefrontal right parietal areas. From results obtained retrieval this study previous studies, it concluded semantic memory is stored sulcus play an executive role utilizing facts. It assumed facts requiring actual calculation are also same region. additional activation probably due to processes calculation. These include proper alignment digits, which may have caused activation, maintaining digits needed for subtractions, activation.