Event-related functional MRI investigation of vocal pitch variation Journal Article


Authors: Peck, K. K. ; Galgano, J. F.; Branski, R. C.; Bogomolny, D.; Ho, M.; Holodny, A. I.; Kraus, D. H.
Article Title: Event-related functional MRI investigation of vocal pitch variation
Abstract: Voice production involves precise, coordinated movements of the intrinsic and extrinsic laryngeal musculature. A component of normal voice production is the modification of pitch. The underlying neural networks associated with these complex processes remains poorly characterized. However, several investigators are currently utilizing neuroimaging techniques to more clearly delineate these networks associated with phonation. The current study sought to identify the central cortical mechanism(s) associated with pitch variation during voice production using event-related functional MRI (fMRI). A single-trial design was employed consisting of three voice production tasks (low, comfortable, and high pitch) to contrast brain activity during the generation of varying frequencies. For whole brain analysis, volumes of activation within regions activated during each task were measured. Bilateral activations were shown in the cerebellum, superior temporal gyrus, insula, precentral gyrus, postcentral gyrus, inferior parietal lobe, and post-cingulate gyrus. In the left hemisphere, activations in the medial and middle frontal gyri were also observed. Regions active during high pitch production when compared to comfortable pitch were evident in the bilateral cerebellum, left inferior frontal gyrus, left cingulate gyrus, and left posterior cingulate. During low pitch generation, activations were present in the inferior frontal gyrus, insula, putamen, and cingulate gyrus in the left hemisphere. The inferior frontal gyrus in the right hemisphere produced greater activity than the area of the left hemisphere during high and low pitch generation. These results suggest that a single-trial design is sensitive enough to begin to delineate a widespread network of activations in both hemispheres associated with vocal pitch variation. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Keywords: adult; controlled study; neuroimaging; magnetic resonance imaging; cerebellum; image interpretation, computer-assisted; brain; voice; functional magnetic resonance imaging; left hemisphere; brain mapping; pitch; nerve cell network; human experiment; cingulate gyrus; insula; parietal lobe; phonation; putamen; speech analysis; nerve net
Journal Title: NeuroImage
Volume: 44
Issue: 1
ISSN: 1053-8119
Publisher: Elsevier Science, Inc.  
Date Published: 2009-01-01
Start Page: 175
End Page: 181
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2008.08.034
PUBMED: 18824236
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: --- - "Cited By (since 1996): 1" - "Export Date: 30 November 2010" - "CODEN: NEIME" - "Source: Scopus"
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MSK Authors
  1. Dennis Kraus
    268 Kraus
  2. Ryan C Branski
    22 Branski
  3. Kyung Peck
    116 Peck
  4. Andrei Holodny
    206 Holodny
  5. Margaret L Ho
    8 Ho