title: Human brain language processing areas identified by functional magnetic resonance imaging using a lexical decision task.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to validate a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) paradigm to activate both anterior and posterior language areas while collecting accuracy and reaction time data on subjects' performance. The paradigm was based on alternating graphemic and lexical decision tasks. In line with the classical model of language organisation, based on lesion data, and with the results of previous neuroimaging studies, cortical activation associated with lexical decision-making was strongly lateralised to the left hemisphere and involved a network of regions in the frontal, temporal and parietal lobes. Single subject analysis demonstrated that the activation paradigm we propose is suitable for detecting language processing areas in humans for clinical studies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Calandra-Buonaura
authors.forename: Gianpaolo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Basso
authors.forename: Maria Luisa
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Gorno-Tempini
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Serafini
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pagnoni
authors.forename: Patrizia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Baraldi
authors.forename: Carlo Alberto
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Porro
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nichelli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000502:physiology; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003657:Decision Making / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007802:Language; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000502:physiology*; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D011932:Reading; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques