Biological approach: KC3 Neuroanatomy

Question 1

Localisation of brain function

Answer 1

certain functions are carried out by specific areas of the brain. eg, visual cortex is responsible for vision

Question 2

motor cortex

Answer 2

directs movement by controlling muscle contractions

Question 3

visual cortex

Answer 3

the first part to receive visual information

Question 4

limbic system

Answer 4

large group of brain structures responsible for motivation, learning, emotion and memory

Question 5

amygdala

Answer 5

small almond shaped part of the brain that works with your hippocampus to create long term memories of specific, often emotional events. damage to amygdala reduces aggression. particularly known for linking fear, aggression and anxiety to knowledge of people or places

Question 6

prefrontal cortex

Answer 6

grants us executive function to make socially mindful decisions, must filter out unimportant sensations, focus on the task and contextualise our decisions with memories of the past and predictions about how our behaviour will influence the future. personal traits depend on it.

Question 7

Harlow (Phineas gage- case study)

Answer 7

in this case study, the prefrontal cortex was damaged and this resulted in Phineas becoming violent and impulsive

Question 8

functions located in left brain hemisphere

Answer 8

speech and language

Question 9

functions located in right brain hemisphere

Answer 9

facial recognition and spatial awareness

Question 10

brain plasticity

Answer 10

refers to the brains ability to change and adapt as a result of experience

Question 11

name 2 strengths of neuroanatomy

Answer 11

1. there is research to support the theory of brain localisation

Phineas Gage experienced an accident in which a piece of iron went through his skull. although Phineas survived, he experienced a big change in his personality. his friends described him as ‘no longer Gage’. the iron stake damaged his left frontal lobe, suggesting that this brain area is responsible for personality, adding validity to the theory

2. has practical application so is useful

research into neuroanatomy has resulted in useful practical applications. eg, it has informed the development of new therapies for people who have had a stroke. this shows that understanding neuroanatomy can lead to interventions that can benefit people with brain injury and/or brain degeneration

Question 12

name 1 limitation of neuroanatomy

Answer 12

incomplete explanation

the theories of brain localisation and/or lateralisation are incomplete explanations of brain function, as functions may be less localised and lateralises than previous research suggests. eg, advances in brain scanning suggest that language is not completely localised but is more widely distributed in the brain. therefore, the validity of the theories can be questioned

Question 13

neuroanatomy

Answer 13

brain structures

Question 14

Phineas Gage

Answer 14

a case study that can be used as research to support the theory of brain localisation

Question 15

lateralisation of brain function

Answer 15

some brain functions are one hemisphere only. for most people: left hemisphere - speech and language and right hemisphere - facial recognition and spatial awareness