Function
The function of the uncinate fasciculus is not known, though it is traditionally considered to be part of the limbic system.
The uncinate fasciculus on the left side shows greater fractional anisotropy (a measure of microstructural integrity) than on the right, and this has been argued to possibly link to the left hemispheric specialization for language. However, the use of electrical brain stimulation upon it fails to disrupt language, suggesting it might not be involved in language, though it is possible that this disruption failed to happen because it was functionally compensated by alternative pathways.
The capacity for autonoetic self-awareness that is re-experiencing previous events as part of one's past as a continuous entity across time has been linked to the right uncinate fasciculus as has proficiency in auditory-verbal memory and declarative memory to the integrity of the left uncinate fasciculus.
Read more about this topic: Uncinate Fasciculus
Famous quotes containing the word function:
“The fact remains that the human being in early childhood learns to consider one or the other aspect of bodily function as evil, shameful, or unsafe. There is not a culture which does not use a combination of these devils to develop, by way of counterpoint, its own style of faith, pride, certainty, and initiative.”
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“The uses of travel are occasional, and short; but the best fruit it finds, when it finds it, is conversation; and this is a main function of life.”
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