Cerebral Specialization Flashcards
General structure of the cerebral hemispheres
Cerebrum, gyri and sulci with grey matter on the surface and white matter underneath
Major divisions of the brain
Frontal, parietal, occipital and temporal
Lateral fissure separates…?
Frontal and parietal from temporal
Central fissure separates…?
Frontal from parietal
What is Brodmann’s map?
A map that divides cortical surfaces according to architectural arrangements of neurons in different regions, into 52 sections
Pros and Cons of Brodmann’s map
+ Provides a common language and reference points
- Lack of correspondence between architectural regions and functional regions
- Doesn’t reflect the complexity of inter and intra hemispheric connections
General functions of the cerebral hemispheres
- Analyse input (process sensory info)
- Sort, organise, integrate and store info
- Direct output (initiate motor processes)
General break down of motor and sensory parts of the brain
Motor: anterior
Sensory: posterior
Functions of the lobes
Temporal: auditory
Occipital: visual
Parietal: integrating cross sensory info
Frontal: executive behaviour
What are association areas
Interconnections of primary functions of the lobes, they talk to one another to allow coordinating sensory and motor activities
3 divisions of the PFC
- Dorsolateral: planning, initiating and maintaining goal orientated behaviour
- Orbital: modulation of emotional and social behaviour
- Anterior cingulate: motivational behaviour
What does a complex deficit suggest?
Damage to an association area
Difference between hemispheric asymmetry and lateralisation
Asymmetry is physiological, lateralisation is specialisation of functions
Advantages of hemispheric functioning
+ Speed of processing
+ Less competition for resources
+ Frees up cortical space
