ReviewThe neural basis of semantic cognition: Converging evidence from neuropsychology, neuroimaging and TMS
Section snippets
Neural basis of semantic representation
Where is semantic knowledge represented in the brain? Many researchers propose an ‘embodied’ view in which semantic information draws on a distributed network of sensory and motor representations (e.g., Pulvermuller, 2005; Martin, 2007; Barsalou, 1999). According to this view, the meaning of an item like “scissors” is derived from links between neural assemblies that represent this object's distinctive shape, the “snip” sound that it makes, information about how you hold and use scissors,
Deregulated semantic cognition in semantic aphasia
Studies of patients with SD have been enormously important in advancing our understanding the role of the ATL in semantic memory. However, deficits of semantic cognition are seen more frequently following left-hemisphere stroke. These patients typically implicate a different set of regions in semantic processing, most notably left posterior temporal, inferior parietal and inferior frontal regions (Chertkow et al., 1997; Berthier, 2001; Hart and Gordon, 1990; Hillis et al., 2001; Dronkers
Conclusion and future directions
Our research over the last 5 years has contributed to our understanding of the distributed neural network underpinning semantic cognition in several ways: (1) We have obtained convergent evidence from distortion-corrected fMRI and TMS studies of healthy volunteers that points to a role of both left and right ATL in the representation of word and picture meanings, in line with findings from investigations of patients with SD. (2) The distortion-corrected fMRI studies indicate graded
Acknowledgements
The work reported in this article would not have been possible without the efforts of my colleagues and collaborators: I have benefited enormously from their ingenuity and kindness. I am particularly indebted to Matt Lambon Ralph at the University of Manchester, who has provided me with invaluable support for many years. I would also like to extend special thanks to the following people who played a key role in particular projects: Azizah Almaghyuli, Richard Binney, Faye Corbett, Sheeba Ehsan,
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