Possible subregional differentiation of the left middle frontal gyrus in Chinese character reading and the region’s role as a key node in brain networks

Abstract: The left middle frontal gyrus (MFG) has been widely regarded as a region preferentially engaged during Chinese character reading, but its precise functional role remains debated. Growing evidence suggests that activation of this region may also reflect domain-general cognitive demands, particularly those associated with working memory and executive control. This article reviews recent findings from these two perspectives and considers two possible explanations for the involvement of the left MFG in Chinese character reading. First, the left MFG may contain functionally differentiated subregions: its posterior portion may be more closely associated with lexical processing during reading, whereas its anterior portion may contribute more strongly to domain-general cognitive processes, including working memory and executive control. Second, the left MFG may serve as a key cross-network node linking neural networks supporting reading with the domain-general cognitive control network. Future research should integrate evidence across disciplines to clarify how different subregions of the left MFG are dynamically recruited during reading and how this region supports interactions between reading-related and domain-general cognitive networks.