The Functional Anatomy of Attention in Humans: Cerebral Blood Flow Changes Induced by Reading, Naming, and the Stroop Effect

Abstract
We measured changes in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) induced by reading, naming, and the Stroop effect in 12 right-handed normal volunteers. rCBF was quantified with a single-photon emission computerized tomograph after intravenous injection of 133Xe. Data were analyzed using predetermined regions of interest and a linear model. A significant relative activation was revealed in the right superior mesial frontal region during the Stroop effect.