1.60 Organisation of the Cortex

Question 1

What do projection fibres do?

Answer 1

Link gyri to other CNS structure

Question 2

Which areas are involved with language?

Answer 2

Wernicke’s area - language processing
Broca’s - language production
Left hemisphere in most people

Question 3

What is the function of the anterior cingulate gyrus?

Answer 3

• Larger - worrier, sensitivity, fear
• Executive processes
• Emotion particularly linked to pain
• Empathy
Emotion
Males – smaller left anterior cingulate – less control over aggressive behaviour

Question 4

What other asymmetry is there?

Answer 4

Leftward asymmetry – precentral gyrus, middle frontal, anterior temporal, superior parietal
Rightward assymetry – inferior posterior temporal lobe, inferior frontal lobe
visual cortex - Potentially males more cortex to process visuospatial aspects and mental rotation

Question 5

What is conduction aphasia?

Answer 5

Association fibre damage
• Arcuate fasciculus
• (superior longitudinal fasciculus)
• Comprehension intact
• Expression is fluent
• Difficulty processing and formulating response.
Damage between wernicke’s and broca’s area

Question 6

What is split brain?

Answer 6

Corpus callosum lesion
Commissural fibres
Activity
• Ask someone to close their eyes and put their hands face up
• Touch one of their fingertips with a pen/pencil
With the opposite hand the participant needs to touch the corresponding finger with thumb of the same hand.