W9 - Neurobiology of Language Flashcards
What does fMRI measure in cognitive neuroscience?
Blood oxygenation changes.
Which neuroimaging technique uses magnetic fields to measure neuronal activity?
MEG.
What advantage does OPM-MEG offer over traditional MEG?
Enhanced precision with excellent temporal and spatial resolution.
How are neural oscillations categorized by frequency?
Into slow and fast rhythms.
What do neural oscillations support in language processing?
Phonemes, semantics, and syntax.
Which type of rhythms align with syllable processing?
Theta rhythms (~5 Hz).
What is the main focus of articulation in speech?
Pronouncing sounds accurately.
What does a speech spectrogram visualize?
Sound intensity over time.
Which aphasia is associated with grammatical deficits and non-fluent speech?
Broca’s aphasia.
What does the ventral stream in the dual-stream model process?
Lexical and conceptual representations.
What role does the STS play in phonological processing?
Responds to phonemic information.
What did Mesgarani et al. (2014) identify about the STG?
Encodes distinct phonetic features.
How do high-density words differ in brain activation?
Activate broader lexical networks.
Which brain rhythms correspond to prosody/intonation in speech?
Delta rhythms (~2 Hz).
How did Saberi & Perrott (1999) demonstrate the role of syllable timing?
Showed intelligibility drops with segments >200 ms.
What does the Asymmetic Sampling in Time theory suggest about hemispheric specialization?
Left integrates rapid phonemic signals; right processes slower rhythms.
Which hemisphere tracks high-frequency gamma rhythms?
Left hemisphere.
Which brain region is involved in understanding indirect replies?
Medial prefrontal cortex.
What cognitive processes are needed for indirect language?
Perspective-taking and discourse processing.
What do the dorsal pathways connect in language processing?
Broca’s area to sensorimotor and motor-related areas.
What does the ventral pathway focus on in neuroanatomy?
Semantic processing.
How do white matter tracts contribute to language processing?
Connect anterior and posterior brain regions.
What is the role of the right hemisphere in older adults?
Supports affective and pragmatic language.
Why is language processing bilateral in older adults?
Compensates for structural changes.
What social aspect of language relies on right-lateralized networks?
Joint action and communication.
What is the main purpose of MEG in neuroimaging?
Captures rapid brain activity with high temporal resolution.
How has the development of MEG transformed our understanding of language?
By tracking real-time neuronal dynamics.
Why are audiovisual speech rhythms significant in language processing?
They align brain rhythms to naturalistic speech.
What structures interact dynamically in speech processing?
Rhythmic structures and brain oscillations.
Why are both hemispheres crucial in language?
Enable processing of syntax, semantics, and social communication.
