Brain & Language Flashcards
What are the 2 kinds of cells in the brain?
Neurons and glia
What is the cortex?
A 1/4” think surface area which consists of billions of neurons
What is the corpus callosum?
A bundle of axons (white matter) that connects the 2 hemispheres in the center ridge of the brain
What does contralateral control of brain function mean?
We process information from the opposite side of the brain
What is an early idea of specific brain function?
Phrenology
What is localization?
Different cognitive abilities and functions are localized to specific parts of the brain; motor/visual cortex
What are some functions of the left side of the brain?
Language, computation, logical reasoning
What are some functions of the right side of the brain?
Spacial reasoning, face recognition, music
What is dichotic listening?
Supports lateralization; when you hear in the right ear, the brain processes language faster through the left side of the brain than the other way around
Name 2 centers of language processing in the brain
Broca’s area & Wernicke’s area
What is aphasia?
A disruption of language abilities from injury
What are signs of Broca’s Aphasia?
Speech is broken and halted; words make sense, but the structure is incorrect; sometimes referred to as agrammatic aphasia; lesions found in particular part of the left hemisphere frontal lobe; semantics (meaning) unimpaired; syntax (structure) impaired
What are some signs of Wernicke’s Aphasia?
Speech is fluent but doesn’t make much sense; grammar usually not effected; problems with word choice and meaning; referred to as semantic aphasia
What is anomia?
A type of aphasia; patients have difficulty finding words during speech and when asked to name things, but can describe what an object is for
Which half of the brain is language processed?
Left
