biological approach- neuroanatomy Flashcards
Neuroanatomy=
the structure of our brain and nervous system
what is the brain divided into =
2 halves
what are they called =
left hemisphere + right hemisphere
Localization=
different areas of the brain perform certain functions
Why is localization important=
if a specific brain area is damaged, the function associated with that area is affected (impaired)
Parts of the brain and their function (examples of localization)
Motor area =
What it does= this controls voluntary movements on the opposite side of the body (contralateral control)
If its damaged= causes a loss of control over fine motor movements
Parts of the brain and their function (examples of localization)
Somatosensory area =
What is does= responsible for sensory information (touch/feel ext.). On the opposite side of the body.
If its damaged= causes sensory problems like numbness and tingling
Parts of the brain and their function (examples of localization)
Visual area =
What it does= each eye sends information from the right half of the visual field to the left visual area, and from the left ‘half’ of the visual field to the right visual area.
If its damaged= damage to one visual area can cause partial blindness in both eyes.
Lateralization of brain function
what is it =
Although most brain functions are localized in both hemispheres, there are some that are found in just one hemisphere. These functions are said to be lateralized opposed to localized.
Parts of the brain and function (example of lateralization)
Language= the main areas of the brain involved in language are in the left hemisphere only. This is why when some people damage their right hemisphere language isn’t normally affected, but damage to specific areas in the left hemisphere does affect language (e.g. difficulty speaking)
Plasticity of the brain
. What does this mean =
it is flexible and can change throughout life
examples of Plasticity of the brain
. Synaptic pruning=
. Functional recovery=
. Synaptic pruning=
t 3 years old, our brains have about 115,000 connections (synapses) per neuron. Twice as many as in the adult brain. As we develop, synapses are ‘pruned’ (cut back) to allow new connections to form (in response to new demands on the brain).
Functional recovery=
when areas of the brain are damaged, unaffected areas can often adapt and take over their function. New synaptic connections are formed close to the damaged areas or a corresponding area in the opposite hemisphere takes over. The recovery proccess can be supported by rehabilitation therapy.
strength=
practical applications-
programs have been developed to help protect elderly people against age-related cognitive decline.
One program uses 200 hours of device-based games targeting attention, memory, coordination ext.
This approach is based on knowledge of brain plasticity. The activities help support neurotransmitters producing neurons that would otherwise decline with age.
strength =
research supports-
there is research supporting brain lateralization
some studies suggest that our ability to make emotional facial expressions is controlled by the right hemisphere.
This hemisphere is also dominant in recognizing emotion in other people’s facial expressions. There is evidence that damage to the right hemisphere disrupts this ability. (Lindell 2013)
weakness=
not so localized-
brain functions may be less localized and lateralized than often thought.
An example is language. As brain scans become more advanced researchers can study brain activity with more clarity than ever. Language seems to be distributed quite widely rather than being completely localized.
This suggests localization and lateralization theories do not fully explain the organization of functions.
