S8) Higher Cortical Function Flashcards
Information is processed in the complex synaptic network found between inputs and outputs.
Describe the fine structure of the cortex in terms of inputs and outputs
- Most inputs are from the thalamus and other cortical areas
- Most outputs are from pyramidal cells and project to widespread areas
Identify 6 functions of the frontal lobe
- Motor
- Expression of speech (usually left hemisphere)
- Behavioural regulation / judgement
- Cognition
- Eye movements
- Continence (medial)
How might one test the higher cognitive ability of the frontal lobe?
Ask a patient to count down in 7s from 100
Identify 5 functions of the parietal lobe
- Sensory
- Comprehension of speech (usually left hemisphere)
- Body image
- Awareness of external environment (attention)
- Calculation and writing
What is hemispatial neglect?
- Hemispatial neglect is a neuropsychological condition occurring due to damage to one hemisphere of the brain
- There is a deficit in attention to/awareness of one side of the visual field and the patient is unable to process and perceive stimuli on one side of the body or environment
Identify 4 functions of the temporal lobe
- Hearing
- Olfaction
- Memory
- Emotion
In terms of cerebral dominance, state which form of processing is over-represented in the different cerebral hemispheres (in 95% of people)
- Left: sequential processing
- Right: ‘whole picture’ processing
Sequential processing is dominant in the left hemisphere.
Which two functions does this include?
- Language
- Mathematics/logic
Whole picture processing is dominant in the right hemisphere.
Which four functions does this include?
- Body image
- Visuospatial awareness
- Emotion
- Music
Language pathways are primarily found in the left hemisphere.
In light of this, what is Broca’s area and what does it do?
Broca’s area (inferolateral frontal lobe) – production of speech
Language pathways are primarily found in the left hemisphere.
In light of this, what is Wernicke’s area and what does it do?
Wernicke’s area (superior temporal lobe) – interpretation of language
How are Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area connected?
Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area are connected to each other via the arcuate fasciculus
Describe the pathway for repeating a heard word
Cochlea → auditory cortex → Wernicke’s area → arcuate fasciculus → Broca’s area → motor cortex
Describe the pathway for speaking a written word
Eyes → visual cortex → Wernicke’s area → arcuate fasciculus → Broca’s area → motor cortex
Describe the pathway for speaking a thought
All over the brain → Wernicke’s → arcuate fasciculus → Broca’s area → motor cortex