Localisation of Functions in the Brain(Biopsychology) Flashcards
Localisation
Functions (movement/language/memory) are performed in distinct regions of the brain
Contralateral
Each hemisphere of the brain controls the opposite side of the body
Hemispheric lateralisation
Each hemisphere of the brain is specialised to perform different functions
What functions are performed by the left hemishpere of the brain?
Language centres
Brocas / Wernickes area only in the left
What functions are performed by the right hemishpere of the brain?
Visiospatial tasks
What functions are performed by the left and right hemishpere of the brain?
Motor, visual, somatosensory and auditory cortices are on both
Language areas of the brain
Broca is responsible for speech production. Wernicke plays an important role in understanding other people’s speech and for language comprehension. Language areas are only found on the left side.
The limbic system
Group of interconnected brain structures that help regulate your emotions and behaviour
The cerebrum
- this regulates our higher intellectual processes
- each of our sensory systems sends messages to and from this cerebral cortex
Occipital Lobe
location responsible for vision
Parietal Lobe
Location for sensory and motor movements
Frontal Lobe
The location for awareness of what we are doing within our environment (our consciousness)
Temporal Lobe
Location for the auditory ability and memory acquisition
Somatosensory Cortex
Responsible for responding to environmental stimuli
Motor area
Responsible for muscle motor movements across the body
Brocas Area
Responsible for speech production
Wernickes Area
Responsible for speech comprehension
Auditory Cortex
Receives and processes sound information from ears
Evaluation of LOF
Clinical case study research (Phineas Gage) demonstrates loss of certain functions if damage is caused to a particular area of the brain
Case studies are seen as unscientific - compared to modern methods like MRI scans
