LEC 15 - LanguageCerebralCortex

Question 1

Define the cerebral (neo)cortex.

Answer 1

Function: Responsible for “higher-order” cognitive functions (e.g., language).

Structure: Complex input-output dynamics with deeper brain areas (e.g., basal ganglia)

Question 2

Describe the structure of the brain’s cortex.

Answer 2

The cortex consists of gyri, which are the ridges, and sulci, which are the grooves.

Question 3

Advantages of Folding Neural Tissue?

Answer 3

Increased Surface Area

Question 4

Define gyrification in the context of mammalian brains.

Answer 4

Not all mammal brains have folds (gyrencephalic); some are smooth (lissencephaly).

Question 5

Describe the two main types of neurons found in the cortex.

Answer 5

pyramidal neurons, use glutamate as a neurotransmitter (axonal projections to distal targets)

non-pyramidal (inter)neurons, which use GABA. (local circuit elements)

Question 6

How does processing in the brain occur?

Answer 6

Processing in the brain relies on patterned electrical activity, which is determined by the excitatory and inhibitory effects that neurons exert on each other.

Question 7

What makes up the grey matter in the brain?

Answer 7

made up of neuronal cell bodies, also known as soma.

Question 8

Describe white matter

Answer 8

Neurons send signals through axon bundles, forming white matter. Groups of axons with similar connections are called tracts, fasciculi, or lemnisci.

Question 9

Describe the function of the central sulcus in the brain.

Answer 9

The central sulcus separates the frontal and parietal lobes.

Question 10

Define the longitudinal fissure and its significance.

Answer 10

The longitudinal fissure separates the two cerebral hemispheres.

Question 11

How does the lateral sulcus contribute to brain structure?

Answer 11

The lateral sulcus separates the temporal lobe from the frontal and parietal lobes.

Question 12

What is the role of the pre-occipital notch in brain anatomy?

Answer 12

The pre-occipital notch delineates the temporal and occipital lobes.

Question 13

Explain the concept of partial bilateral symmetry in the brain.

Answer 13

found between the cortical hemispheres.

Question 14

Occipital Lobe and Primary Visual Cortex

Answer 14

The occipital lobe is responsible for visual processing.

Light detected in the retina is sent to the primary visual cortex through the thalamus.

It includes primary, secondary, and associative visual areas.

Question 15

Describe calcarine sulcus

Answer 15

The calcarine sulcus divides the occipital lobe into two parts:

Upper domain: Receives input from the lower visual field.

Lower domain: Receives input from the upper visual field.

Question 16

What are the Areas Involved in Speech Production?

Answer 16

Pre-central gyrus

Post-central gyrus

Superior temporal gyrus

Question 17

Define the function of the pre-central gyrus in relation to speech.

Answer 17

known as the primary motor area (M1), responsible for sending motor signals for speech production.

Question 18

Define the function of the post-central gyrus in relation to speech.

Answer 18

the somatosensory area (S1), responsible for receiving tactile information from the face, lips, and tongue during speech.

Question 19

Describe speech as Sensorimotor Activity

Answer 19

Speech involves both sensing and movement.

The brain sends signals to facial muscles for speaking and gets feedback from those muscles.

The areas involved (S1 and M1) are located on the sides of the brain during speech.

Question 20

How does the sensory homunculus illustrate topographic mapping?

Answer 20

The sensory homunculus illustrates topographic mapping by showing disproportionate representations of some body regions over others,

Question 21

Describe the role of the frontal lobe in motor output.

Answer 21

The pre-central gyrus in the frontal lobe controls motor output.

It contributes upper motor neurons to corticobulbar and corticospinal tracts, controlling muscles through lower motor neurons.

Question 22

DescribeAuditory Processing in the Temporal Lobe

Answer 22

The primary auditory cortex is located in the transverse temporal gyri of the temporal lobe (Heschl’s gyrus).

It has a tonotopic arrangement, where neurons representing similar frequencies are located close together.

Question 23

Describe the function of Broca’s area.

Answer 23

Critical for speech production.

Located in the frontal lobe (inferior frontal gyrus and lateral primary motor cortex).

Damage leads to non-fluent aphasia.

Question 24

Define Wernicke’s area and its role in language.

Answer 24

Involved in language comprehension.

Located in the temporal and parietal lobes.

Damage leads to fluent aphasia.

Question 25

Describe the Development and Plasticity of Language Areas

Answer 25

Cortical areas are more adaptable in early life.

Early bilinguals have overlapping brain activity in Broca’s area for both languages.

Late bilinguals have distinct brain activity for each language.

Question 26

What are the three classes of white matter fibres.

Answer 26

1. Commissural fibres
2. Association fibres
3. Projection fibres

Question 27

Define commissural fibres in the context of white matter.

Answer 27

Connect the two hemispheres of the brain.

Question 28

How do association fibres function in the brain?

Answer 28

Association fibres connect regions within the same hemisphere.

Question 29

What role do projection fibres play in the brain’s structure?

Answer 29

Projection fibres connect cortical areas to subcortical regions (e.g., thalamus, spinal cord).

Question 30

Describe white matter and the basal ganglia in the brain.

Answer 30

Involved in reward learning, motor function, motivation, and mood.

The internal capsule contains projection white matter fibres connecting cortical areas and basal ganglia.

Question 31

How do language areas connect in the brain?

Answer 31

They connect through white matter tracts, with the arcuate fasciculus linking Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas.

Question 32

How do cortical areas interact with the limbic system?

Answer 32

Cortical areas communicate with deep brain structures in the limbic system, which is critical for emotion-related functions.

Question 33

What functions are associated with the limbic system?

Answer 33

The limbic system is involved in emotion regulation, memory, motivation, and sociability.

Question 34

Identify the primary cortical area that communicates with deep limbic nuclei.

Answer 34

The limbic lobe is the primary cortical area that communicates with deep limbic nuclei.

Question 35

Explain the major target of limbic structures.

Answer 35

the hypothalamus, which plays role in various emotional and physiological processes.