biopsychology: localisation of function Flashcards
What is the main idea of localisation of function in the brain?
Different parts of the brain perform different tasks and are involved with different parts of the body
This concept contrasts with the holistic theory, which posited that all brain parts were involved in thought and action.
Who were the key scientists that contributed to the understanding of brain localisation?
Paul Broca and Karl Wernicke
Their work in the 19th century challenged the holistic theory of brain function.
What happens if a certain area of the brain becomes damaged?
The function associated with that area will also be affected.
What are the two symmetrical halves of the brain called?
Left and right hemisphere.
What is lateralisation in the context of brain function?
Some physical and psychological functions are controlled or dominated by a particular hemisphere.
Which hemisphere controls activity on the left side of the body?
Right hemisphere.
What is the outer layer of both hemispheres of the brain called?
Cerebral cortex.
List the four lobes of the brain.
- Frontal lobe
- Parietal lobe
- Occipital lobe
- Temporal lobe.
What is the function of the motor area located in the frontal lobe?
Controls voluntary movement in the opposite side of the body.
What separates the somatosensory area from the motor area?
Central sulcus.
What does the somatosensory area represent?
Sensory information from the skin related to touch, heat, pressure, etc.
Which lobe contains the visual area?
Occipital lobe.
What is the result of damage to the left hemisphere in terms of vision?
Blindness in part of the right visual field of both eyes.
What is the function of the auditory area located in the temporal lobes?
Analyses speech-based information.
What is Broca’s area responsible for?
Speech production.
What condition is caused by damage to Broca’s area?
Broca’s aphasia.
What characterizes Broca’s aphasia?
Speech that is slow, laborious, and lacking in fluency.
Who was Broca’s most famous patient?
‘Tan’, who could only say that one word.
What is Wernicke’s area responsible for?
Language understanding.
What occurs when Wernicke’s area is damaged?
Wernicke’s aphasia.
What characterizes Wernicke’s aphasia?
Fluent but meaningless speech.
What are neologisms?
Nonsense words produced by people with Wernicke’s aphasia.
