The Possible Role of Asymmetric Laryngeal Innervation in Language Lateralization: Points For and Against

• Published in: Brain and language Vol. 46; no. 3; pp. 482 - 489
• Main Author: Walker, S.F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: San Diego, CA Elsevier Inc 01.04.1994; Elsevier; Academic Press
• Subjects: Anatomical correlates of behavior; Behavioral psychophysiology; Biological and medical sciences; Brain - physiology; Functional Laterality - physiology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Laryngeal Nerves - anatomy & histology; Laryngeal Nerves - physiology; Larynx - physiology; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Speech - physiology; Synaptic Transmission; Human; Hemispheric specialization; Language; Central nervous system; Critical study; Larynx; Laterality; Recurrent nerve; Brain (vertebrata)
• ISSN: 0093-934X; 1090-2155
• DOI: 10.1006/brln.1994.1027

The influence of asymmetric laryngeal innervation on the lateralization of language is debated by comparing studies focusing on anatomy, transmission times, & function, in both humans & animals. One argument against any influence of the asymmetry posits that the difference in length is made up in fiber thickness, resulting in nearly equal transmission times. However, other studies are cited that document differences in transmission times in dogs & humans. The relative importance of any asymmetry in transmission times is discussed; arguments are put forward for the trivality of the difference, & are then countered by the argument that laryngeal movements during speech are so complex as to be significantly affected by even a slight difference in transmission times. It is subsequently argued that the advantages of hemispheric specialization of laryngeal movements are somewhat limited. Methods of evaluating the influence of asymmetrical laryngeal innervation are discussed, & it is concluded that, given the inevitable presence of asymmetrical recurrent laryngeal nerves, any possible connection to speech lateralization should be explored, despite a current lack of strong evidence to support any such relationship. 46 References. J. Walters