Quantitative analysis of BOLD-fMRIs of the central swallowing cortex in normal adults

Abstract

Objective To investigate the distribution and characteristics of the central swallowing cortex in normal adults. Methods Blood-oxygen level dependent functional MRIs (BOLD-fMRIs) were recorded from 10 normal, right-handed volunteers during swallowing. The volume of the central cortex activated and the activation intensity were recorded. Results During the experiment there were significant differences in volume but not in intensity between the BA4, BA40, BA32 and BA13 areas activated on the two sides. No significant differences were observed in either the volume or the intensity of the activated BA6/8 and BA24 areas. Moreover, significantly more areas in the left hemisphere were activated when swallowing than in the right hemisphere, with the laterality index value being 15.22%. Conclusion Normal adults' volitional swallowing is triggered in the BA13 area of the insula and the BA24/32 area of the anterior cingulate cortex. It is planned in the BA40 area of the supramarginal gyrus and the BA6 and 8 areas and implemented in the primary motor cortex of the pharynx oralis. One hemisphere clearly dominates in the cortical control of volitional swallowing. Key words: Swallowing; Cortical centers; Laterality; Control; BOLD-fMRI