Abstract
Background: Understanding the functions of different brain areas has represented a major endeavor of contemporary neurosciences. Modern neuroimaging developments suggest cognitive functions are associated with networks rather than with specific areas. Objectives. The purpose of this paper was to analyze the connectivity of Brodmann area (BA) 46 (anterior middle frontal gyrus) in relation to language. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the language network in which BA46 is involved. The DataBase of Brainmap was used; 19 papers corresponding to 60 experimental conditions with a total of 245 subjects were included. Results: Our results suggest the core network of BA46. The localization and modules involved suggest BA46 participation in a "frontal language production system" (or extended Broca's system). The depicted BA46 connectivity is also concordant with a minor role in language semantics and language understanding. Conclusion: It was concluded that BA46 plays a central role in the language production system, most likely related to its executive control.
