Multisensory Convergence in the Orbital and Ventrolateral Prefrontal Cortex.

The prefrontal cortex can be divided into at least five distinct networks or systems, which have preferential intrinsic connections with other areas in the same system and distinct connections with other parts of the brain. Of these, the orbital network and the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex both receive multimodal sensory inputs and appear to function as regions for integration of this information, with an important role in the assessment of sensory objects or stimuli. The orbital network receives prominent olfactory, taste, and visceral inputs, as well as visual and somatosensory inputs; it is probably especially important for assessment of food. The ventrolateral prefrontal region does not receive olfactory or taste visceral inputs but does receive the same visual and somatosensory inputs, as well as auditory inputs. It may serve a role in the assessment of nonfood objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]