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Neural correlates of auditory feedback control in human
A Toyomura1, S Koyama, T Miyamaoto
1Research Institute of Science and Technology for Society, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Japan. toyomu@es.hokudai.ac.jp
Neuroscience
|March 31, 2007
Summary
This study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate how the brain controls vocal pitch using auditory feedback. Results show that the right hemisphere network is primarily responsible for this crucial speech function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Speech Science
- Auditory Neuroscience
Background:
- Auditory feedback is essential for natural speech production.
- Understanding the neural basis of pitch control is key to speech research.
- Transformed auditory feedback (TAF) offers a method to probe auditory-motor control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the neural mechanisms underlying auditory feedback control of vocal pitch.
- To investigate the brain regions involved in real-time pitch adjustment.
- To determine the hemispheric lateralization of pitch feedback processing.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was employed.
- A transformed auditory feedback (TAF) paradigm was used, where vocal pitch was randomly altered.
- Participants vocalized a sustained vowel (/a/) and adjusted their pitch to match the altered feedback.
Main Results:
- Significant brain activation was observed in the right supramarginal gyrus, prefrontal area, anterior insula, superior temporal area, and intraparietal sulcus.
- The left hemisphere showed activation only in the premotor area.
- These findings indicate a dominant role for the right hemisphere in auditory feedback control of pitch.
Conclusions:
- Auditory feedback control of vocal pitch is primarily supported by a right-hemispheric neural network.
- This study highlights the brain's sophisticated mechanisms for maintaining vocal stability.
- The findings contribute to our understanding of speech motor control and auditory-motor integration.
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