The role of the anterior cingulate cortex in the counting Stroop task

Exp Brain Res. 2004 Feb;154(3):355-8. doi: 10.1007/s00221-003-1665-4. Epub 2003 Dec 10.

Abstract

The role of the anterior cingulate in the counting Stroop task was examined using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS was given over sites targeting more dorsal and more ventral anterior cingulate cortex and a control area of parietal cortex whilst subjects reported the number of words presented on the screen using a key press. The Stroop interference effect was abolished by TMS over both anterior cingulate sites. These findings support functional neuroimaging research which suggests that cingulate cortex is central to the processes underlying the Stroop task.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attention / physiology*
  • Brain Mapping
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Female
  • Gyrus Cinguli / anatomy & histology
  • Gyrus Cinguli / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetics
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Parietal Lobe / anatomy & histology
  • Parietal Lobe / physiology*
  • Pattern Recognition, Visual / physiology
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*
  • Reaction Time / physiology
  • Verbal Behavior / physiology