Localisation of Function Flashcards
What is localisation of function?
The theory that specific areas of the brain are associated with particular physicial and psychological functions.
How has the view on localisation changed over time in psychology?
Before the 19th century, scientific took a holistic view of the brain- all parts are involved in all functions.
In the 20th century, it was a very localised view. (evidence comes from case studies- e.g. Phineas Gage, Brooker’s area).
Today we have a localised view along with a holistic view.
What are the four main areas that the brain are divided into?
- The Limbic System
- Cerebellum
- Brain stem
- Cerebrum/cortex
What is the function of the limbic system?
This is ‘reptilian brain’ that all animals have this. For basic functioning; Controls basic emotions (fear, pleasure, anger) and drives (hunger, sex etc.)
What is the function of Cerebellum?
It coordinates and regulates muscular activity.
What is the function of brain stem?
connects brain to the spinal cord
What is the function of cerebrum/ cortex?
This is the evolutionary part of the brain. It is divided into 4 lobes all with specific function.
What does contralateral mean?
Each hemisphere controls the opposite side of your body
What are the four lobes in the cortex?
- frontal lobe
- parietal lobe
- temporal lobe
- occiptial lobe
What is the function of the frontal lobe?
involved in reasoning, motor control, emotion and lanuage
What is the function of the parietal lobe?
involved in processing information from the body’s senses
What is the function of the temporal lobe?
located on the side of the head. Is associated with hearing, memory emotion and some ascepts of lanuage.
What is the function of occiptial lobe?
located on the back of the brain. Responsible for containing primary visual cortex which is responsible for interpreting incoming visual information.
Where is the motor cortex located?
In the frontal lobe
What is the function of the motor cortex?
Controls our voluntary movement
How is control in the motor cortex structured?
-It is contralateral.
-Different parts control different parts of the body, arranged logically.
Where is the somatosensory cortex located?
It is located in parietal lobe of both hemispheres.
What is the function of the somatosensory cortext?
This is where sensory information from the skin (e.g. touch, heat, pressure) is processed.
How is control in the somatosensory cortex structured?
Contrelateral cortex- one side of the brain receives sensory info from the opposite side
Where is the visual cortex located?
Located in the occiptal lobe
What is the function of the visual cortex?
Nerve impulses from the retina (in the eye) travel to areas of the brain via the optic nerve.
Where is the control of the visual cortex structured?
It is contralateral- the right hemisphere receives input from left-hand side of the visual felisn (eye) and vice versa
Visual cortext contains different areas that process different types of visual info such as colour, shape and movement.
Where is the Auditory cortex located?
Located in the temporal lobe of both hemispheres
What is the function of the Auditory cortex?
Sound waves are converted into nerve impulses
