Localisation Flashcards
Localisation of function
Theory that different areas of the brain are responsible for different behaviours, processes or activities
Declarative memory
Everyday facts/events
Procedural memory
Associative tasks/habits
Monolithic
Idea that something is consisting of one singular thing/consisting of one piece
Retrospective amnesia
Inability to recall old memories
Associative tasks
When behaviours become habits
Anterograde amnesia
Inability to recall new memories
Retrospective studies
Studies that are recorded/researched after the incident has occured
Hemispheres of the brain and the cerebral cortex
- The brain is divided into two halves (left, and right hemispheres)
- Activity on the right is controlled by the left hemispheres
- Activity on the left is controlled by the right hemispheres
What is the cerebral cortex?
The outer layer of the brains hemispheres
What are the 4 lobes the brain is divided into?
- Frontal lobe
- Occipital lobe
- Temporal lobe
- Parietal lobe
Motor cortex
- Frontal lobe
- Controls voluntary movement, in opposite sides of the body
- (Damage to this area can lead to loss of control over motor movements)
Somatosensory cortex
- Parietal lobe, postcentral gyrus
- Detects sensory events from different regions in the body
- (produces sensations such as touch and pain)
Visual cortex
- Occipital lobe
- Each eye sends info from the right visual field to the left visual cortex and from the left visual field to the right visual cortex
- Processes colour, shape, movement
Auditory centre
- Temporal lobe
- Analyses speech based info so is concerned with hearing
What are the two language areas?
- Brocas area
- Wernickes area
Brocas area
- Associated with speech production
- Frontal lobe
- Damage causes Brocas aphasia which slows speech
Wernickes area
- Involved in understanding language
- Left temporal lobe
- Damage causes Wernickes aphasia
How can localisation of function be studied?
- Brain imaging techniques, PET, fMRI
Why is localisation of function important?
- It can help us understand how different parts of the brain contribute to behaviour and cognition
- Can also help us understand how damage to specific areas of the brain can lead to different types of cognitive and behavioural impairments
