The Cortico-Cortical and Subcortical Circuits of the Human Brain Language Centers Including the Dual Limbic and Language Functioning Fiber Tracts

Authors

Arash Kamali
Nithya P Narayana
Anastasia Loiko
Anusha Gandhi
Paul E Schulz
Nitin Tandon
Manish N Shah
Vinodh A Kumar
Larry A Kramer
Jay-Jiguang Zhu
Haris Sair
Roy F Riascos
Khader M Hasan

Language

English

Publication Date

1-28-2026

Journal

Brain Sciences

DOI

10.3390/brainsci16020142

PMID

41750142

PMCID

PMC12938411

Abstract

Background/Objectives: In recent years, MRI-based diffusion-weighted tractography techniques have uncovered additional white matter pathways that have significant roles in language processing and production. In this review, we aim to outline the major language centers of the brain and major language pathways along with association tracts that serve dual roles in both the language and limbic systems. According to the current dual-stream model of language processing, the brain's language network is organized into a dorsal stream, responsible for mapping sound to articulation, and a ventral stream, which maps sound to meaning.

Materials and Methods: The literature cited in this manuscript was identified through targeted searches of the PubMed database. Priority was given to peer-reviewed human studies, including original neuroimaging, cadaveric validation, and intraoperative stimulation studies. Non-peer-reviewed sources and publications lacking clear anatomical or functional correlation to language pathways were excluded.

Results: Advances in functional MRI and diffusion weighted imaging techniques have revealed a more interconnected network, expanding our understanding beyond the classical dual-stream model of language processing. The Kamali limbic model proposed distinct ventral and dorsal limbic networks. Notably, several fiber pathways within the ventral limbic network may subserve both language and limbic functions. The association tracts with dual limbic-language functions form a critical basis for understanding the pathophysiology of language disorders accompanied by cognitive and emotional comorbidities observed in dyslexia, speech apraxia, aphasia, autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Conclusions: Visualizing the language center and interconnected dual language and limbic fiber tracts highlights the importance of integrating language, executive function, and emotion in developing disease models and designing effective, targeted treatments for patients.

Keywords

aphasia, brain circuit, dorsal stream, dual stream, dorsal limbic network, expressive, language, limbic, receptive, superior longitudinal fasciculus, tractography, ventral stream, ventral limbic network

Published Open-Access

yes

Recommended Citation

Kamali, Arash; Narayana, Nithya P; Loiko, Anastasia; et al., "The Cortico-Cortical and Subcortical Circuits of the Human Brain Language Centers Including the Dual Limbic and Language Functioning Fiber Tracts" (2026). Faculty, Staff and Student Publications. 6496.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthgsbs_docs/6496