8. Higher Cortical Function Flashcards
Where are most inputs to the cortex from?
Thalamus.
Also other cortical areas as they communicate with each other.
Where are most outputs from the cortex from and to?
From pyramidal cells, project to widespread areas of the brain.
What are the 6 functions of the frontal lobes?
Motor. Expression of speech (usually left hemisphere). Behavioural regulation/judgement. Cognition. Eye movements. Continence.
What are the 5 functions of the parietal lobes?
Sensory.
Comprehension of speech (usually left hemisphere).
Body image (usually right hemisphere).
Awareness of external environment (attention).
Calculation and writing.
What portion of the visual pathways project through the white matter of the parietal lobes?
Superior optic radiations.
What are the 4 functions of the temporal lobes?
Hearing.
Olfaction.
Memory.
Emotion.
What portion of the visual pathways project through the white matter of the temporal lobes?
Inferior optic radiations.
What functions is the left cortical hemisphere more dominant in?
Sequential processing - language and mathematics/logic.
What functions is the right cortical hemisphere more dominant in?
Whole picture processing - body image, visuospatial awareness, emotion and music.
Where is Broca’s area found and what is it responsible for?
Inferior lateral frontal lobe.
Production of speech.
Where is Wernicke’s area found and what is it responsible for?
Superior temporal lobe.
Interpretation of language.
What connects Broca’s and Wernicke’s area?
Arcuate fasciculus.
How can Wernicke’s aphasia and Broca’s aphasia be distinguished from each other?
Wernicke’s aphasia - speech is effortless and fluent, but does not make sense as cannot understand what is being asked.
Broca’s aphasia - question is understood, but struggles with articulating words and grammar.
What are the two classifications of memory? In what broad brain regions are each stored in?
Declarative - explicit, facts. Cerebral cortex.
Nondeclarative - implicit, motor skills and emotions. Cerebellum.
What does consolidation of memories depend on?
Emotional context.
Rehearsal.
Association.
