Shared Cortical Architecture of Spatial Navigation and Planning: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis

Planning is a crucial aspect of spatial navigation and visuospatial tasks, relying on both shared and distinct neural mechanisms, which are not yet fully understood. We conducted an Activation Likelihood Estimation (ALE) meta-analysis on fMRI studies examining active, goal-directed navigation and visuospatial planning tasks (i.e., the Tower of London paradigm). Conjunction and contrast analyses revealed a shared network encompassing bilateral frontal regions, including the superior frontal gyrus (SFG), middle frontal gyrus (MFG), anterior insula (INS), and clusters in the left supplementary motor area (SMA) and right inferior frontal gyrus (IFGtriang). Contrast analyses highlighted greater involvement of the hippocampus (HIP) and parahippocampal gyrus (PHG) in navigation, and posterior parietal and dorsolateral prefrontal regions in visuospatial planning. These findings elucidate the neural mechanisms involved in these processes, highlighting the common amodal regions that play a role in both visuo-spatial planning and spatial navigation. This study offers a deeper understanding of the fundamental deficits linked to neurodevelopmental disorders and brain injuries.