Localisation of Function and Lateralisation Flashcards
What is meant by localisation of function?
When certain functions (e.g. language, memory…etc) have certain locations within the brain.
What is meant by hemispheric lateralisation?
When 2 halves of the brain are functionally different, and each hemisphere has functional specialisations.
The idea that each of the two hemispheres of the brain perform different functions.
E.G.
The left is dominant for language, and the right excels at visual motor tasks.
Language is hemispherically lateralised to the left hemisphere, and spatial skills are hemispherically lateralised to the right hemisphere.
What are the 4 lobes of the brain?
Frontal –> cognitive processes (e.g. thinking, problem solving…etc)
Parietal –> receives and processes sensory info
Temporal –> auditory info
Occipital –> visual info
Describe the localisation and function of the motor area. [2 marks]
Located in the FRONTAL lobe…
…and is responsible for voluntary movements by sending signals to muscles in the body.
The motor area on 1 side of the brain controls muscles on the opposite side of the body.
Describe the localisation and function of the somatosensory area. [2 marks]
Located in the PARIETAL lobe…
…and it receives sensory info from receptors in skin to produce sensations (e.g. pain, pressure, temperature…etc)
The somatosensory area one 1 side of brain receives sensory info from opposite side of body.
Describe the localisation and function of the visual area. [3 marks]
Located in the OCCIPITAL lobe…
…which receives & processes visual info.
Visual area contains different parts that process different types of info (such as colour, shape, or movement)
Info from the right-hand side visual field is processed in the left hemisphere, and vice versa.
Describe the localisation and function of the auditory area. [2 marks]
Located in the TEMPORAL lobe…
…and analyses & processes acoustic info.
Info from left ear goes primarily to the right hemisphere, and vice versa.
Describe the localisation and function of Broca’s area. [2 marks]
Located in the LEFT FRONTAL lobe…
…and is involved in language productions.
Describe the localisation and function of Wernicke’s area. [2 marks]
Located in the LEFT TEMPORAL lobe…
…and is involved in language processing/comprehension.
Name the language areas and where they are located.
Broca’s area = left frontal lobe.
Wernicke’s area = left temporal lobe.
Both located on the LEFT hemisphere.
Give examples of things that are organised contralaterally and not organised contralaterally but are processed by both hemispheres.
Organised contralaterally =
vision, movement, touch
Processed by both hemispheres but not organised contralaterally =
hearing, smelling, taste
What is another term for ‘localisation of function’?
Cortical specialisation
