Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is an emerging neuroimaging modality with high temporal and good spatial resolution. In this thesis, NIRS was applied to understand functionality of the fronto-temporal cortex in response to language-related tasks. A 32-channel NIRS system (Imagent ISS Inc.) was used to perform experimental studies on 15 right-handed normal adults. Block-design based Word Expression and Word Reception paradigms were independently presented to participants. Activation, functional connectivity and cortical lateralization analyses were performed. From word expression studies, results showed left anterior region (encompassing Broca) is majorly involved over right homologue and posterior regions. From the word reception studies, results showed that right posterior region (encompassing right homologue of Wernicke) is highly involved in language reception, with right anterior region (encompassing right homologue of Broca) also involved. The current study has potential future applications in surgical evaluation of language regions in populations with neurological disorders such as epilepsy, and schizophrenia.
