Elsevier

Brain and Language

Volume 25, Issue 2, July 1985, Pages 257-292
Brain and Language

Subcortical functions in language: A working model

https://doi.org/10.1016/0093-934X(85)90085-9Get rights and content

Abstract

The current paper explains a model of subcortical language functions that focuses on dynamic interactions between the cortex, the thalamus, and the basal ganglia in the production of spoken language. The model was derived from (a) studies of subcortical lesions and language, (b) studies of subcortical stimulation and language, (c) knowledge regarding neural pathways between various cortical and subcortical structures, and (d) indications that preverbal monitoring of language occurs. In the current model, the thalamus plays roles in cortical arousal and activation and in preverbal semantic monitoring. The basal ganglia function to regulate the degree of excitation conveyed from the thalamus to the cortex and to time the release of formulated language for motor programming. Consistency with classical syndromes of aphasia and potential applications to other areas in the neurosciences are discussed. The current theory, unlike previous formulations, is specific enough that testable hypotheses can be derived.

References (76)

  • G.A. Ojemann

    Language and the thalamus: Object naming and recall during and after thalamic stimulation

    Brain and Language

    (1975)
  • A.F. Reynolds et al.

    Left thalamic hemorrhage with dysplasia: A report of five cases

    Brain and Language

    (1979)
  • M. Riklan et al.

    Psychometric studies of verbal functions following thalamic lesions in humans

    Brain and Language

    (1975)
  • G. Schaltenbrand

    The effects on speech and language of stereotactical stimulation in thalamus and callosum

    Brain and Language

    (1975)
  • M.F. Schwartz

    What the classical aphasia categories can't do for us, and why

    Brain and Language

    (1984)
  • G. Selby

    Stereotactic surgery for the relief of Parkinson's disease: Part 2

    An analysis of the results in a series of 303 patients (413 operations)

    Journal of the Neurological Sciences

    (1967)
  • J.M. Van Buren

    The question of thalamic participation in speech mechanisms

    Brain and Language

    (1975)
  • J. Vilkki et al.

    Effects of pulvinotomy and ventrolateral thalamotomy on some cognitive functions

    Neuropsychologia

    (1976)
  • C.W. Wallesch et al.

    Lesions of the basal ganglia, thalamus, and deep white matter: Differential effects on language functions

    Brain and Language

    (1983)
  • H.A. Whitaker

    Editorial note: Two views on aphasia classification

    Brain and Language

    (1984)
  • M.P. Alexander et al.

    Aphasia after left hemispheric intracerebral hemorrhage

    Neurology

    (1980)
  • C.M. Allen et al.

    Investigations into speech disturbances following stereotaxic surgery for Parkinsonism

    British Journal of Communication Disorders

    (1966)
  • D.M. Aram et al.

    Acquired capsular/striatal aphasia in childhood

    Archives of Neurology

    (1983)
  • D.S. Bell

    Speech functions of the thalamus inferred from the effects of thalamotomy

    Brain

    (1968)
  • D.F. Benson

    Aphasia, alexia, and agraphia

    (1979)
  • S.E. Blumstein

    Neurolinguistic disorders: Language-brain relationships

  • M.I. Botez et al.

    Role of subcortical structures, and particularly the thalamus, in mechanisms of speech and language

    International Journal of Neurology

    (1971)
  • J.W. Brown

    Thalamic mechanisms in language

  • S.F. Cappa et al.

    “Transcortical” features of aphasia following left thalamic hemorrhage

    Cortex

    (1979)
  • M.B. Carpenter et al.

    Human neuroanatomy

    (1983)
  • V.A. Ciemans

    Localized thalamic hemorrhage: A cause of aphasia

    Neurology

    (1970)
  • I.S. Cooper

    Chemopallidectomy and chemothalamectomy for parkinsonism and dystonia

  • I.S. Cooper et al.

    Á multidisciplinary investigation of neurosurgical rehabilitation in bilateral Parkinsonism

    Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

    (1968)
  • B. Crosson

    The thalamic feedback loop in aphasia: A tentative model

  • B. Crosson

    Role of the dominant thalamus in language: A review

    Psychological Bulletin

    (1984)
  • B. Crosson et al.

    Dominant thalamic lesion with and without aphasia

  • A.R. Damasio et al.

    Aphasia with nonhemorrhagic lesions in the basal ganglia and internal capsule

    Archives of Neurology

    (1982)
  • A.C. Daniels et al.

    Thalamic degeneration, dementia, and seizures

    Archives of Neurology

    (1969)
  • Cited by (240)

    View all citing articles on Scopus
    View full text