Spoken language processing activates the primary visual cortex

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289671
• Publication Date: 2023-08-11T17:26:15Z
• Authors: Anna Seydell-Gree...; Xiaoying Wang; Elissa L. Newport; Yanchao Bi; Ella Striem-Amit
• Keywords: Spoken Language; Primary (astronomy)

Primary visual cortex (V1) is generally thought of as a low-level sensory area that primarily processes basic features. Although there evidence for multisensory effects on its activity, these are typically found the processing simple sounds and their properties, example spatially or temporally-congruent sounds. However, in congenitally blind individuals, V1 involved language processing, with no major changes anatomical connectivity could explain this seemingly drastic functional change. This at odds current accounts neural plasticity, which emphasize role conserved function determining tissue's even after atypical early experiences. To reconcile what appears to be unprecedented reorganization known plasticity limitations, we tested whether V1's roles include responses spoken sighted individuals. Using fMRI, normally individuals was indeed activated by comprehensible sentences compared an incomprehensible reversed speech control condition, more strongly so left right hemisphere. Activation also significant comparable abstract concrete words, suggesting it not driven imagery. Last, activation did stem from increased attention auditory onset nor correlated attentional arousal ratings, making general unlikely explanation. Together findings suggest responds reflecting binding high-level signals, potentially predict input. capability might basis strong observed people born blind, re-affirming notion guided pre-existing abilities developed brain.