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Mapping the anatomical connectivity in the language‐specific cerebrocerebellar network
Author(s) -
George Ian,
Christ Shawn,
Aldridge Kristina
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.534.7
Subject(s) - cerebrum , cerebellum , neuroscience , foxp2 , diffusion mri , neuroimaging , white matter , human brain , functional magnetic resonance imaging , psychology , thalamus , magnetic resonance imaging , computer science , biology , medicine , central nervous system , biochemistry , radiology , transcription factor , gene
Human language requires a network of specialized areas and connections in the brain to process this complex function. The classical neuroanatomical model of human language includes two cerebral areas (Broca's & Wernicke's) serving speech production and comprehension, respectively. Functional neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that the cerebellum is also involved with overt speech planning and production, rather than its motor execution. The functional and anatomical connections of this network however, are poorly understood. In this study we define the structural connectivity of the language‐specific cerebrocerebellar network (LSCN) between the cerebrum and cerebellum. Using a combination of high resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to map the the complex morphology of LSCN in five healthy adults. The LSCN includes the right lateral cerebellum, the primary language centers in the left cerebrum, and the white matter pathways between them connecting through the thalamus. This robust network analysis of the language centers of the brain provides a powerful normative framework of comparison to uncover the basis and possible causes of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders that affect language, as well as the anatomical framework for the evolution of language. Grant Funding Source : MU Life Sciences Fellowship and DODC‐DMRP # AR093087