title: A nexus model of the temporal-parietal junction.
abstract: The temporal-parietal junction (TPJ) has been proposed to support either specifically social functions or non-specific processes of cognition such as memory and attention. To account for diverse prior findings, we propose a nexus model for TPJ function: overlap of basic processes produces novel secondary functions at their convergence. We present meta-analytic evidence that is consistent with the anatomical convergence of attention, memory, language, and social processing in the TPJ, leading to a higher-order role in the creation of a social context for behavior. The nexus model accounts for recent examples of TPJ contributions specifically to decision making in a social context and provides a potential reconciliation for competing claims about TPJ function.
authors.affiliation: Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
authors.forename: R McKell
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: Scott A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Huettel
mesh_terms: D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology; D010296:Parietal Lobe / Q000502:physiology*; D012919:Social Behavior; D013702:Temporal Lobe / Q000502:physiology*