Lesson 6 - Localisation of Function Flashcards
What is localisation of function
Functions have specific locations in brain
Where is the visual cortex
In the occipital lobe
-both hemispheres
Where is the auditory cortex
In the temporal lobe
-both hemispheres
Where is the motor cortex
In the frontal lobe
-both hemispheres
Where is the somatosensory cortex
In the parietal lobe
-both hemispheres
Where is Broca’s area
Left hemisphere of frontal lobe
Where is Wernicke’s area
Left hemisphere of temporal lobe
What does the visual cortex do
Process colour/shape info
What does the auditory cortex to
Process pitch/volume
What does the motor cortex do
Different parts control different parts of body
What does the somatosensory cortex do
Process pain/pressure
What does damage to Broca’s area do
Damage causes expressive aphasia
-affects language production
-NOT understanding
What does damage to Wernicke’s area do
Damage causes receptive aphasia
-affects language understanding
-NOT production
+ Brain scan evidence
Peterson et al(1988) showed Wernicke’s area active during listening task and Broca’s area active during reading task
-shows language localised to areas on brain scans
(-) Equipotentiality theory (Karl Lashley)
Claims higher mental functions are NOT localised
Claims intact areas of cortex take over responsibility for specific cognitive function following injury
Disputes idea that localisation of brain function is applicable to all functions (higher)
