Localisation of function - AO1 Flashcards
What is localisation of function?
The theory that different areas of the brain are responsible for specific processes, behaviour or activities
If a certain part of the brain is damaged, the function associated with that area will be affected
What happened with Phineas Gage?
Damage to frontal lobe
Retained all functioning but had changes in personality
Became quick tempered, violent and irritable
Suggests that the frontal lobe may be responsible for regulating mood
What is the cerebrum and cerebral cortex?
Cerebrum = main part of the brain that is grey matter and white matter
Cerebral cortex = outer layer of the cerebrum that is just grey matter and it split into four lobes
What is the cerebrum split into?
Two halves - the right and left hemispherres
- We have “two” amygdala/hypothalamus - they are paired
What are the six brain areas?
- Motor
- Somatosensory
They are separated by the central sulcus
- Visual
- Auditory
Where is the motor cortex and what is the function?
Where:
- Back of the frontal lobe
Function:
- Controls voluntary movement - damage leads to issues withe fine movement
Where is the somatosensory region and what is the function?
Where:
- Front of the parietal lobe
Function:
- Processes sensory information from the skin - more receptors for some areas
Where is the visual area and what is the function?
Where:
- Back of the occipital lobe
Function:
- Right eye sends info from right visual field to left visual cortex and vice versa
What is the auditory cortex and where is it?
Where:
- Middle of the temporal lobe
Function:
- Analyses sound information - damage may lead to partial hearing loss or speech comprehension
What is gyri and sulci?
Gyri - folds/bumps
Sulci - grooves/gaps
It causes the cerebral cortex to be uneven
What is Broca’s area?
Paul broca identified a small area in the left frontal lobe responsible for speech production
Damage to Broca’s area causes Broca’s aphasia, where speech is slow, laborious and lacks fluency
What is Wernicke’s area?
Identified a small area in the left temporal lobe responsible for understanding language
Damage to Wernicke’s area causes Wernicke’s aphasia where patients speech may not make sense
