Biopsychology - Localisation of Function in the Brain Flashcards
What is the definition of Localisation of Functions?
- Specific areas of the brain are specialised for certain functions
Where is the Motor Cortex located?
Both hemispheres
What does the Motor Cortex do?
Involved in the creation of voluntary motor movements
What can damage to the Motor Cortex cause?
Loss of control over fine movements
Where is the Somatosensory Cortex located?
Both hemispheres
What does the Somatosensory Cortex do?
Processes information from the senses in the skin (Includes touch, pressure, pain and temperature from all areas in the body)
What can damage to the Somatosensory Cortex cause?
Produces problems in perceiving touch, failure to recognise object by touch
Where is the Visual Cortex located?
Both hemispheres
What does the Visual Cortex do?
- Receives information directly from the eyes
- Processes information such as colour and shape
What can damage to the Visual Cortex cause?
- Blindness
- Hallucinations
- Inability to see colour + motion
Where is Wernicke’s Area located?
Left hemisphere
What does Wernicke’s Area do?
Involved in the understanding of language
What can damage to Wernicke’s Area cause?
Wernicke’s aphasia (Cannot understand spoken language or produces nonsense words as part of their speech)
Where is the Auditory Cortex located?
Both hemispheres
What does the Auditory Cortex do?
Analyses speech based information (e.g hearing pitch and volume)
