This fMRI study investigated whether the action perception system, unlike the well-established object-domain structure in the ventral occipitotemporal cortex (VOTC), is organized by similar domain principles and communicates with the VOTC in a domain-specific manner. Participants viewed videos of a human performing social-communicative actions (e.g., waving) and manipulation actions (e.g., folding) to meaningless shapes. Results showed action-domain-specific activations: social actions activated the superior temporal sulcus and right precentral gyrus; manipulation actions activated the supramarginal gyrus, parietal lobe, and precentral gyrus. Domain-specific functional connectivity (FC) was observed between action systems and VOTC: social-communicative action system with bilateral fusiform face area (FFA); manipulation action system with left lateral occipitotemporal cortex (LOTC). A correlation existed between FC with the action system and local VOTC activity strength. These findings suggest social and manipulation domains as overarching principles for both object and action perception systems.

Huichao Yang, Chenxi He, Zaizhu Han, Yanchao Bi