Neural dynamics of feedforward and feedback speech processing

Adeen Flinker, PhD, New York University, Grossman School of Medicine, Tandon School of Engineering

Speech production is a complex human function requiring continuous feedforward commands together with reafferent feedback processing. The cortical organization of these processes are largely characterized by dual stream models of speech (Hickok & Poeppel 2007, Rauschecker & Scott 2009), wherein Frontal cortex mainly serves as an articulatory network mapping feedforward commands. Leveraging human intracranial recordings, I will present a series of studies addressing the role of prefrontal cortex in processing feedforward and feedback speech commands in support of a mixed representation across frontal cortex. I will argue for a functional subdivision of precentral gyrus wherein the ventral division sends feedforward commands and serves as the source of a corollary discharge, while the dorsal division carries out auditory feedback processing of reafferent speech.