Lexical retrieval during fluent speech production: an fMRI study.

We investigated the neural correlates of lexical retrieval during fluent speech production using fMRI. Blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) contrast was measured while subjects spoke about 7 Rorschach inkblots for 3 min each. Varying degrees of speech rate were elicited during each run. In a within-subject design, the number of words produced was correlated with the BOLD contrast in the two runs in each subject that showed the highest variance of speech output. The rate of articulation was positively correlated with activation in the left superior temporal (BA 22) and supramarginal (BA 39/ 40) gyri. The main negative correlations were in the fusiform gyri bilaterally (BA 19), the posterior cingulate (BA 30) and superior occipital gyrus (BA 19). Lexical retrieval during continuous language production engages areas in the left temporal and inferior parietal cortex. This pattern of activation differs from that evident during the generation of single words (verbal fluency), which is more associated with left prefrontal activation.