Broad intrinsic functional connectivity boundaries of the macaque prefrontal cortex

Based upon cytoarchitectonic properties, the primate prefrontal cortex has been partitioned into different subregions that show unique structural connectivity patterns, with ongoing efforts to provide more fine-grained divisions. While meaningful divisions may be found within the sub-millimeter range, the subdivisions exist within an overall hierarchical architecture and at higher levels likely share similar activity patterns and functionality. Here, we used resting-state fMRI in lightly anesthetized macaque monkeys to measure the intrinsic functional connectivity of the prefrontal cortex. At a gross anatomical level, the data driven approach revealed five broad clusters that showed distinct brain-wide functional connectivity. Although each cluster encompasses several cytoarchitectonic subregions, the clusters overlap with the intrinsic structural connectivity of the prefrontal cortex and each cluster may subserve common functions. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.