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Discussions of the neural underpinnings of social cognition frequently emphasize the distinctiveness of human social cognition. Here, however, we review the discovery of similar correlations between neural networks and social networks in humans and other primates. We suggest that component parts of these neural networks in dorsal frontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and superior temporal sulcus (STS) are linked to basic social cognitive processes common to several primate species including monitoring the actions of others, assigning importance to others, and orienting behavior toward or away from others. Changes in activity in other brain regions occur in tandem with changes in social status and may be related to the different types of behaviors associated with variation in social status.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.conb.2012.11.013

Type

Journal article

Journal

Curr Opin Neurobiol

Publication Date

06/2013

Volume

23

Pages

436 - 442

Keywords

Animals, Brain, Cognition, Humans, Macaca, Neural Pathways, Social Behavior, Theory of Mind