Uncovering the Morphological Evolution of Language-Relevant Brain Areas.

ABSTRACT: Human language is supported by a cortical network involving Broca's area which comprises Brodmann Areas 44 and 45 (BA44, BA45). While cytoarchitectonic homolog areas have been identified in nonhuman primates, it remains unknown how these regions evolved to support human language. Here, we use histological data and advanced cortical registration methods to precisely compare the morphology of BA44 and 45 between humans and chimpanzees. We found a general expansion of Broca's areas in humans, with the left BA44 enlarging the most, growing anteriorly into a region known to process syntax. Together with recent functional studies, our findings show that BA44 evolved from a purely action-related region to a more expanded region in humans, with a posterior portion supporting action and an anterior

SUBMITTER: Gallardo G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10055248 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature