What is the function of the supramarginal gyrus in the brain?

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Last updated: April 5, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

The left supramarginal gyrus is crucial for language processing, particularly in phonological processing, and damage to this area can result in language disorders such as conduction aphasia, as supported by studies on aphasia and language recovery after stroke 1. The supramarginal gyrus is a region of the brain located in the parietal lobe, specifically in the inferior parietal lobule, and plays a significant role in various cognitive functions.

  • It is involved in language processing, including phonological processing during reading and writing, and is part of Brodmann areas 40.
  • The supramarginal gyrus also contributes to empathy and spatial awareness, making it essential for social interactions and understanding others' emotions and intentions.
  • Damage to the left supramarginal gyrus can result in language disorders like conduction aphasia, where a person struggles to repeat words despite understanding them, as seen in studies on aphasia and language recovery after stroke 1.
  • In the context of stroke recovery, the supramarginal gyrus has been implicated in language processing and recovery, with studies suggesting that damage to this area can affect language outcomes and response to therapy 1.
  • The use of functional MRI and other neuroimaging techniques has shown promise in understanding the role of the supramarginal gyrus in language processing and recovery, and may be useful in predicting language outcomes and response to therapy in individuals with aphasia 1.

From the Research

Supra Marginal Gyrus Brain Function

  • The supramarginal gyrus is involved in various cognitive processes, including short-term memory, phonological processing, and verbal working memory 2, 3.
  • Studies have shown that the left supramarginal gyrus plays a key role in retaining an abstract representation of serial order information, independently from the content information 2.
  • The supramarginal gyrus is also activated during phonological processing and verbal working memory tasks, suggesting a domain-general role in verbal working memory 3.

Proprioception and Motor Control

  • The right supramarginal gyrus is important for proprioception in healthy and stroke-affected participants, with right hemispheric dominance observed in the supramarginal gyrus 4.
  • The supramarginal gyrus and dorsal premotor cortex play a key role in proprioception, likely due to their role in spatial processing and motor control 4.

Traumatic Brain Injury and Rehabilitation

  • Traumatic brain injury can result in temporary or permanent impairment, and the medical and rehabilitation management of moderate to severe TBI is a complex process 5.
  • Certain drugs, such as fluoxetine and amantadine, may facilitate motor recovery after stroke or improve cognitive functions after traumatic brain injury, but evidence is still limited 6.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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