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Human brain language areas identified by functional magnetic resonance imaging
J R Binder1, J A Frost, T A Hammeke
1Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, USA.
Summary
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) reveals language processing in the intact human brain. Findings show left-hemisphere lateralization but expand beyond classical Broca and Wernicke areas.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Brain Imaging
Background:
- Classical models of language localization are based on lesion data.
- These models identify specific brain regions (Broca's and Wernicke's areas) for language functions.
- Advances in neuroimaging allow for direct investigation of language processing in vivo.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify candidate language processing areas in the intact human brain using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
- To define language broadly, encompassing phonological and lexical-semantic functions.
- To compare language processing with a control task involving nonlinguistic auditory stimuli.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was employed on 30 right-handed subjects.
- A language activation task involved phonetic and semantic analysis of spoken words.
- Control task involved perceptual analysis of nonlinguistic sounds; data were averaged into a standard stereotaxic space.
Main Results:
- Cortical activation for language processing was strongly lateralized to the left cerebral hemisphere.
- Language network involved frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes.
- Identified language areas extended beyond classical Wernicke and Broca areas, including temporoparietal and prefrontal regions.
Conclusions:
- Findings support and refine classical models of language localization.
- Demonstrated extensive left prefrontal involvement in receptive language functions.
- Suggests a broader network of brain regions supports language processing than previously defined by lesion studies.