RRC ID 36435
著者 Okuyama S, Kuki T, Mushiake H.
タイトル Representation of the Numerosity 'zero' in the Parietal Cortex of the Monkey.
ジャーナル Sci Rep
Abstract Zero is a fundamental concept in mathematics and modern science. Empty sets are considered a precursor of the concept of numerosity zero and a part of numerical continuum. How is numerosity zero (the absence of visual items) represented in the primate cortex? To address this question, we trained monkeys to perform numerical operations including numerosity zero. Here we show a group of neurons in the posterior parietal cortex of the monkey activated in response to numerosity 'zero'. 'Zero' neurons are classified into exclusive and continuous types; the exclusive type discretely encodes numerical absence and the continuous type encodes numerical absence as a part of a numerical continuum. "Numerosity-zero" neurons enhance behavioral discrimination of not only zero numerosity but also non-zero numerosities. Representation of numerosity zero in the parietal cortex may be a precursor of non-verbal concept of zero in primates.
巻・号 5
ページ 10059
公開日 2015-5-22
DOI 10.1038/srep10059
PII srep10059
PMID 25989598
PMC PMC4437293
MeSH Animals Cognition / physiology* Discrimination, Psychological / physiology* Macaca Mathematical Concepts* Neurons / physiology Parietal Lobe / physiology* Photic Stimulation
IF 3.998
引用数 15
WOS 分野 NEUROSCIENCES
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