The subgenual prefrontal cortex: Functional anatomy and behavioural correlates

The modern era of neuroimaging has recently made it possible to explore themorphological and functional aspects of the subgenual portion of the anterior cingulatecortex, a key area for behaviour modulation within the frontal lobe. In fact, comparativestudies of the anterior cingulate cortex using quantitative, volumetric techniques providedimportant advances for detailing structural differences among species. Therefore, it isnow possible to characterize the structural differences between primate species in anteriorcingulate cortex at a new level of detail, and such studies should provide useful insightsinto the functional organization of the subgenual prefrontal cortex. After reviewingcurrent knowledge about the anatomical and cytoarchitectonic structure of this area,along with its main connectivity patterns, the present chapter will encompass the diversearray of its behavioural functions, disclosed mainly by functional imaging studiesinvolving both higher-order cognitive tasks and pathophysiological states. In particular,empirical data suggest that mania and depression do not result from the disruption oflocalized brain areas but rather as a consequence of dysfunctions which occur indistributed limbic-cortical circuits. Within this circuitry the subgenual prefrontal cortexappears to play a key role in visceromotor control and in modulating depressivesymptoms.