ERIC Number: EJ737503
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006-Jul
Pages: 10
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0093-934X
EISSN: N/A
Uncoupled Leftward Asymmetries for Planum Morphology and Functional Language Processing
Eckert, Mark A.; Leonard, Christiana M.; Possing, Edward T.; Binder, Jeffrey R.
Brain and Language, v98 n1 p102-111 Jul 2006
Explanations for left hemisphere language laterality have often focused on hemispheric structural asymmetry of the planum temporale. We examined the association between an index of language laterality and brain morphology in 99 normal adults whose degree of laterality was established using a functional MRI single-word comprehension task. The index of language laterality was derived from the difference in volume of activation between the left and right hemispheres. Planum temporale and brain volume measures were made using structural MRI scans, blind to the functional data. Although both planum temporale asymmetry (t[1,99] = 6.86, p less than 0.001) and language laterality (t[1,99] = 15.26, p less than 0.001) were significantly left hemisphere biased, there was not a significant association between these variables (r[99] = 0.01, ns). Brain volume, a control variable for the planum temporale analyses, was related to language laterality in a multiple regression ([beta] = -0.30, t = -2.25, p less than 0.05). Individuals with small brains were more likely to demonstrate strong left hemisphere language laterality. These results suggest that language laterality is a multidimensional construct with complex neurological origins.
Descriptors: Morphology (Languages), Language Processing, Brain, Adults, Diagnostic Tests, Brain Hemisphere Functions, Multiple Regression Analysis
Elsevier. 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32887-4800. Tel: 877-839-7126; Tel: 407-345-4020; Fax: 407-363-1354; e-mail: usjcs@elsevier.com; Web site: http://www.elsevier.com.
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A