Neural networks in retrieval of stored information: in the case of proper name

• Published in: International Congress series 2002, Vol.1226, p.143-151
• Main Authors: Yamadori, Atsushi, Fujii, Toshikatsu, Suzuki, Kyoko, Tsukiura, Takashi, Otsuka, Yuji, Fukatsu, Reiko
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anterior temporal lobe; fMRI study; Name retrieval; Proper name anomia; Semantic category; Semantic memory
• ISSN: 0531-5131; 1873-6157
• DOI: 10.1016/S0531-5131(01)00503-9

Two patients developed a selective disturbance in recalling names of familiar persons, in the face of well-preserved personal semantics about them, after a circumscribed cerebral lesion. One case had the anterior portion of his left hemisphere resected for the treatment of intractable epilepsy, and the other suffered from a subcortical hemorrhage in the left superior temporal gyrus. A functional MRI study with 10 healthy young people on retrieval of names of the famous people, as contrasted with retrieval of their occupation, was conducted. Name retrieval activated the left anterior pole of the left superior temporal gyrus (Broadman's area 38) and the medial frontal lobe adjacent to the anterior cingulate gyrus (Broadman's area 32). Our data indicate that proper names are organized as a relatively independent category and its retrieval engages different and wider networks than other categories of names. The network probably includes the temporal pole, a portion of the lower part of the superior temporal gyrus, anterior portion of the middle temporal gyrus and the Wernicke's area of the left hemisphere.