Neural circuitry of writing?
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Writing engages multiple neural circuits in the brain, not just those directly associated with motor control and visual processing. According to Dr. Erich Jarvis, interviewed by Dr. Andrew Huberman, the act of writing uses at least four brain circuits: visual, speech production, speech perception, and auditory pathways.
- Visual Pathway: When you read, the visual information from the written material is processed in the visual cortical areas at the back of the brain.
- Speech Production (Motor Cortex): This information is then transferred to the frontal regions like Broca's area, where you internally verbalize what you read, without physical speech.
- Auditory Pathway: The internal speech is heard within your brain, involving the auditory pathways, allowing you to hear what you are internally verbalizing.
- Motor Execution for Writing: When you go to write, the motor areas adjacent to the speech pathways convert this internal dialogue and auditory processing into written words on a page.
Dr. Jarvis also notes a cognitive switch between speaking and writing; for instance, he must cease talking when he begins to write on the board during lectures. This reflects the distinct, yet interconnected, use of these brain circuits during the writing process 1.
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