Question

Evidence would suggest that melodies primarily activate:

A) Heschl's gyrus on the left side.
B) Heschl's gyrus on the right side.
C) the area in front of Heschl's gyrus on the left side.
D) the area in front of Heschl's gyrus on the right side.

Answer 1

Melodies primarily activate Heschl's gyrus on the right side as the right hemisphere is superior in pitch perception. The processing of auditory information occurs in the temporal lobe, which is predominantly in the right hemisphere.

Step-by-step explanation:

The evidence suggests that melodies primarily activate Heschl's gyrus on the right side. Gazzaniga and colleagues have found that the right hemisphere is superior in pitch perception, which is a fundamental component of melodies. In addition, auditory information is processed in the auditory cortex in the temporal lobe, which is predominantly located in the right hemisphere.

Answer 2

The available evidence indicates that melodies predominantly activate the region located anterior to Heschl's gyrus on the left side of the brain.

The correct answer is option C) the area in front of Heschl's gyrus on the left side.

Step-by-step explanation:

Melodies primarily activate the auditory cortex, and Heschl's gyrus is a part of the auditory cortex. The left auditory cortex is generally associated with processing musical elements, including melodies.

Studies using neuroimaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have shown increased activation in the left auditory cortex during melody processing.

Therefore, the correct answer is C) the area in front of Heschl's gyrus on the left side.