Neural Mechanism of Mammalian Vocalization

comment on Dr. Holstege's presentation

S.M. Brudzynski
sbrudzyn@spartan.ac.brocku.ca

Dr. Holstege. I enjoyed reading your presentation. The description of speech mechanisms provides further clarification on the distinction between speech and human vocalization. I think that you agree that, under physiological conditions, vocalizations are initiated in the limbic structures and speech in the neocortex. Thus, patinets with motor aphasia can still vocalize. The problem of interpretation may arise in some patients with cortical lesions or congenital dysfunctions. Would their vocalization-like vocal utterances be regarded as attempts to produce abnormal speech or as vocalizations. This rather academic question has clinical relevance and important diagnostic value not only in brain damaged cases but also in the interpretation of the vocal outcome during focal epileptic seizures.

Tue Dec 8