Zusammenfassung
The computation of speech codes (i.e. phonology) is an important aspect
of word reading. Understanding the neural systems and mech- anisms
underlying phonological processes provides a foundation for the investigation
of language in the brain. We used high-resolution three-dimensional
positron emission tomography (PET) to investigate neural systems
essential for phonological processes. The burden of neural activities
on the computation of speech codes was maximized by three rhyming
tasks (rhyming words, pseudowords and words printed in mixed letter
cases). Brain activation patterns associated with these tasks were
compared with those of two baseline tasks involving visual feature
detection. Results suggest strong left lateralized epicenters of
neural activity in rhyming irrespective of gender. Word rhyming activated
the same brain regions engaged in pseudoword rhyming, suggesting
conjoint neural networks for phonological processing of words and
pseudowords. However, pseudoword rhyming induced the largest change
in cerebral blood flow and activated more voxels in the left posterior
prefrontal regions and the left inferior occipital-temporal junction.
In addition, pseudoword rhyming activated the left supramarginal
gyrus, which was not apparent in word rhyming. These results suggest
that rhyming pseudowords requires active participation of extended
neural systems and networks not observed for rhyming words. The implications
of the results on theories and models of visual word reading and
on selective reading dysfunctions after brain lesions are discussed.
Nutzer