The auditory association pathway includes the following steps. Please put them in the correct order. Interpretation of the word and the thought that the word expresses in Wernicke’s area Primary auditory area recognition of the sound as a word Activation of motor programs in Broca’s area for control of word formation Transmission of signals to motor cortex to control speech Transmission via the arcuate fasciculus to Broca’s area
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Order of the Auditory Association Pathway:
- Primary auditory area
- Recognition of the sound as a word
- Interpretation of the word and the thought that the word expresses in Wernicke’s area
- Transmission via the arcuate fasciculus to Broca’s area
- Activation of motor programs in Broca’s area for control of word formation
- Transmission of signals to motor cortex to control speech
Explanation (300 words):
The auditory association pathway describes the brain’s process of understanding and producing spoken language. This process is critical for communication and involves multiple areas of the brain working together in a specific sequence.
The first step begins in the primary auditory area of the temporal lobe, where raw auditory signals from the ear are received and detected. This region processes basic features of sound such as pitch, volume, and rhythm.
Next, the brain moves to recognition of the sound as a word, where the auditory information is compared against stored sound patterns to identify meaningful units like words or phonemes.
Once the sound is recognized as a word, it reaches Wernicke’s area, a region in the posterior part of the superior temporal gyrus. Here, interpretation occurs — the brain deciphers the meaning of the word and integrates it into a broader context, such as forming thoughts or understanding a sentence.
After comprehension, signals are sent via the arcuate fasciculus, a bundle of nerve fibers, to Broca’s area in the frontal lobe. Broca’s area is responsible for planning speech and generating the correct motor commands for word formation.
Then, Broca’s area activates motor programs necessary to articulate the word — this includes organizing the movement of muscles in the lips, tongue, and larynx.
Finally, the motor cortex receives these instructions and sends signals to the necessary muscles, allowing the person to speak the word.
This pathway demonstrates the brain’s intricate coordination between sensory processing, language comprehension, and motor control — making fluent communication possible. Damage to any part of this pathway can result in speech and language impairments, such as aphasia.