What are the brain specialisations underlying human vocal control? (360G-Wellcome-203730_Z_16_A)

Speech production requires a uniquely human regulation of airflow by fine control of respiratory and articulatory musculature as well as the larynx. It remains open, which features of the human brain can account for vocal control and speech production. I aim to investigate the anatomical and functional organisation of the cortical networks underlying speech production by using a comparative framework across primate species. I will conduct an fMRI study in humans to establish the anatomical location of laryngeal motor cortex (LMC) and its role in different aspects of speech. I will also use various neuroimaging methods like myelin-mapping and tractography to compare the neural architecture of LMC in humans and non-human primates. Non-invasive brain stimulation in humans will explore the functional implications of human-specific neural connections. These studies will help to understand the neural organisation underlying speech as a key specialisation of the human brain.