Localisation Flashcards
define localisation of function
The theoty that different areas of the brain are responsible for specific behaviours, processes or activities.
split the brain into 3 concentric layers
- the cerebrum
- the limbic system
- the central core
What is meant by the central core
Also known as the brain stem. Its structure includes the hypothalamus.
The central core regulates primative and involuntary behaviours such as breathing, sleeping, sneezing. It also regulates the endocrine system in order to maintain homeostasis.
define homeostasis
the process by which the body maintains a constant physiological state.
what is meant by the limbic system
Around the central core of the brain, interconnected with the hyippothalamus, it contains structures such as the hippocampus.
It controls emotions.
What is mean by the cerebrum
It has the outermost layer known as the cerebral cortex. Each of our sensory systems sends messages to and from this cerebral cortex.
The cerebrum is made up of he left and right hemispheres which are connected by the corpus callosum.
The cerebrum regulates our higher intellectual processes.
what is the corpus callosum
A bundle of fibres that connect the left and right hemispheres and as a result enables messages to enter one hemisphere and be conveyed to the other.
How are hemispheres futher divided
Each hemisphere is further divided into four lobes:
- the frontal lobe
- the parietal lobe
- the temporarl lobe
- the occipital lobe
general
What is the role of the parietal lobe
it is the location for sensory and motor movements
general
what is the role for the occipital lobe
it is the location for vision
general
what is the role of the frontal lobe
it is the location for awareness of what we are doing within out environment (our consciousness)
general
What is the role of the temporal lobe
It is the location for auditory ability and memory acquisition
Where is the motor cortex located in the brain
in the rear of the frontal lobe
what is the motor cortex responsible for
the generation of voluntary motor movements
explain the location of the motor cortex in relation to the hemispheres and its composition and the consequences of these.
Both hemispheres of the brain have a motor cortex. The motor cortex in one hemisphere controls the muscles on the opposite side of the body.
Different parts of the motor cotrex exert control over different parts of the body. These regions are arranged logically next to each other i.e. region to control the foot is next to the region to control the leg.
where is the somotasensory cortex located in the brain
in the parietal lobe
What is the somatosensory cortex responsible for
- detects sensory events, arising from different regions of the body.
- it produces the sensations of touch, pressure, pain and temperature, which it then localised to specific body regions.
explain the location of the somatosensory cortex in relation to the hemispheres.
Both hemispheres have a somatosensory cortex, each side recieves information from the opposite side of the body.
Where is the visual cortex located in the brain
in the occipital lobe
what is the visual cortex responsible for
recieving and processing visual information
Explain how the visual cortex fuctions
Nerve impulses from the retina transmit to the brain via the optic nerve.
The visual cortex spans both hemispheres with the opposite side side inputting the other’s infomation.
There are lots of different areas for different visual information i.e. colour, shape, movement.
Where is Broca’s area located
in the frontal lobe in the left hemisphere
(of most people)
What is Broca’s area responsible for
speech production
Give evidence for Broca’s area
Patient ‘Tan’
couldnt speak but could understand spoken language. However he couldnt express himself verbally or in writing.
Other patients also had problems - all had lesions in the posterior portion of the frontal lobe of the left hemisphere.
