Biopsych: Localisation of function

Question 1

The central core

Answer 1

Responsible for involuntary behaviours

Includes the hypothalamus

Question 2

The limbic system

Answer 2

Around the central core

Controls emotions and memory

Question 3

The cerebrum

Answer 3

Has an outermost layer known as the cerebral cortex, which appears grey because of the location of cell bodies (grey matter)
Each of our sensory systems send messages to and from the cerebral cortex
The corpus callosum connects the two hemispheres with a bundle of fibres

Question 4

Holistic theory of the brain

Answer 4

The theory that all parts of the brain are involved in thought processes and actions

Question 5

Localisation of function of the brain

Answer 5

During the 19th century, it was discovered that specific areas of the brain are associated with particular physical and psychological functions
Examples: HM - hippocampus found responsible for creating new memories
Leborgne - Broca’s area responsible for speech

Question 6

Hemispheres

Answer 6

Two sides of the brain, left and right, each responsible for specific functions

Question 7

Lateralisation

Answer 7

The dominance of one hemisphere of the brain for particular physical and psychological functions, e.g. language areas are only found on the left side

Question 8

Left side of the brain

Answer 8

Responsible for logic, language, science, maths and analytical thought

Question 9

Right side of the brain

Answer 9

Responsible for holistic through, intuition, creativity, art and music

Question 10

Phineas Gage (1848)

Answer 10

Metal rod went through his skull - damage to frontal lobe
His social behaviour was affected
Frontal lobe must be at least somewhat responsible for decisions making and social behaviours
It is difficult to draw general conclusions as they aren’t many medical reports and some say the claims were exaggerated
The difference in social behaviour could be due to trauma or could have been caused by the fungal infection rather than the initial injuries