Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026
17:06
Co-analysis of Brain Structure and Function using fMRI and Diffusion-weighted Imaging
Published on: November 8, 2012
Subcortical structures in aphasia. An analysis based on (F-18)-fluorodeoxyglucose, positron emission tomography, and
E J Metter1, W H Riege, W R Hanson
1National Institute of Aging, Gerontology Research Center, Baltimore, MD 21224.
Archives of Neurology
|November 1, 1988
Summary
Subcortical damage impacts language abilities like fluency and comprehension. Pathway analysis reveals these effects can be direct or indirect through brain regions like the frontal and temporal lobes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurolinguistics
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Subcortical structural damage in areas like the internal capsule, caudate, thalamus, lenticular nuclei, and insula is linked to aphasias.
- A key unresolved question is whether subcortical structures influence behavior directly or indirectly via cortical pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the direct and indirect effects of subcortical structural damage on specific language behaviors.
- To differentiate the roles of subcortical structures versus their influence on cortical regions in aphasia.
Main Methods:
- Pathway analysis was employed to integrate computed tomography (CT) scans, glucose metabolic data, and language assessments.
- Data from 47 patients with aphasia were analyzed to map structural damage and its behavioral consequences.
Main Results:
- For fluency (Western Aphasia Battery), subcortical damage demonstrated both direct effects and indirect effects mediated by the frontal lobe.
- For a comprehension task (sequential commands), subcortical damage showed no direct effect but a slight indirect effect through the temporal lobe.
Conclusions:
- Both direct and indirect pathways contribute to the behavioral manifestations of subcortical damage in aphasia.
- The specific behavioral measure dictates whether effects are direct, indirect, or a combination thereof.
![Semi-quantitative Assessment Using [18F]FDG Tracer in Patients with Severe Brain Injury](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F58641.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
Related Concept Videos
01:29Positron Emission Tomography
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique involving radiopharmaceuticals — substances that emit short-lived radiation. Although the first PET scanner was introduced in 1961, it took 15 more years before radiopharmaceuticals were combined with the technique and revolutionized its potential.
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body being...
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body being...
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that do not have a specific sensory or motor function. Instead, they integrate and interpret information from various sources to enable higher cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Some key association areas include the following:
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
01:14Brain Imaging
Brain imaging technologies provide critical insights into both the structure and function of the human brain, enabling medical professionals and researchers to diagnose, study, and treat neurological disorders or psychiatric disorders more effectively.
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).