BIOPSYCH ( localisation of function) Flashcards
Define localisation
Localisation refers to the belief that specific areas of the brain are associated with specific cognitive processes
What is the role of the motor cortex and which lobe is it located in the brain?
it is responsible for the generation of voluntary motor movements. It is located in the frontal lobe of the brain
What is the role of the somatosensory cortex and which lobe is it located in the brain?
it detects sensory events arising from different regions of the body . It is located in the parietal lobe
What is the role of the visual centre in the brain and where is it located ?
The primary visual cortex is located in the visual cortex in the occipital lobe of the brain. The visual cortex spans both hemispheres with the right hemisphere receiving input from the left and vice versa
What is the role of the auditory centre in the brain and where is it located ?
Concerned with hearing. Lies in the temporal lobe on both sides of the brain , where we find the auditory cortex
Define Broca’s area
An area in the frontal lobe of the brain , usually in the left hemisphere , related to speech production
Define Wernicke’s area
An area in the temporal lobe of the brain important in the comprehension of language
What is the evidence to support language centres
( Broca and Wernicke) in the brain
Evidence for the different functions of Broca’s area and Wernicke’s areas in the language production and understanding comes from the discovery that damage to these areas results in different types of aphasia
Expressive aphasia ( Broca’s aphasia ) is an impaired ability to produce language in most cases , this is caused by brain damage in Broca’s area .
Receptive aphasia ( Wernicke’s aphasia) is an impaired ability to understand language , an inability to extract meaning from spoken or written words . This is usually a result of damage from a stroke in Wernicke’s area
This demonstrates the important role played by these brain regions in different aspects of language
What is a limiting research of speech production being localised to Broca’s area
Dronkers et al re-examined the preserved brains of two of Broca’s patients , Tan and Lelong. They used a high resolution MRI in order to identify the extent of any lesions in more detail.
MRI revealed that other areas besides Broca’s area could have also contributed to the patients’ reduced speech abilities. This finding is significant because although lesions to Broca’s area alone can cause temporary speech disruption , they do not usually result in severe disruption of spoken language
This study suggests that language and cognition are far more complicated than once thought and involve networks of brain regions rather than being localised to specific areas
How can individual differences be a limitation to Broca and Wenicker’s area findings
The pattern of activation observed in response to various language activities can vary from individual to individual
Bavelier found considerable variability in patterns of activation across different individuals when reading. They observed activity in the right temporal lobe as well as in the left frontal , temporal and occipital lobes.
Other studies found significance gender difference in the size of the brain areas associated with language. Women have larger Wernicke and
Broca’s areas
This demonstrates the important role played by these brain regions in different aspects of language
