11. The auditory system
1 - Anatomy, connections, & development
2 - Site of highest cerebral circulation
3 - Site of highest metabolic activity
4 - Relationship to other sensory systems
5 - Unitary function and sense of ego
6 - Development of social awareness and language
The auditory system of the brain is the first to become myelinated and functional in the
human fetus. The auditory system has also been found to have the highest rates of
blood flow and aerobic metabolism in the brain. Hearing is the sense that provides
continuous awareness of the environment, even during sleep. Because of its high
rate of aerobic metabolism, the auditory system is vulnerable to any factor that
disrupts metabolism, and it is proposed that the multiple etiologies of autism all affect
the auditory system. Social responsiveness as well as language development may rely
on an intact auditory system.
Neurologic
Impairments
References
Notes
Index
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