The Brain And Neuropsychology

Question 1

Structure and localisation of function in the brain (part 6 of brain and Neuropsychology)

-localisation

Answer 1

Refers to the theory that different brain areas are responsible for specific functions and behaviours.

Question 2

Structure and localisation of function in the brain (part 6 of brain and Neuropsychology)
Structure:
-frontal lobe (containing motor area)

Answer 2

Located at the front of the brain. Controls processes such as thinking and planning.

Question 3

Structure and localisation of function in the brain (part 6 of brain and Neuropsychology)
Structure:
- parietal lobe (containing somatosensory area)

Answer 3

The partial lobe is separated from the frontal lobe by a long ridge called the central sulcus. At the front of this lobe is where the somatosensory area is located , where sensations like heat , touch , pressure etc are processed.

Question 4

Structure and localisation of function in the brain (part 6 of brain and Neuropsychology)
Structure:
-occipital lobe

Answer 4

Located at the back of the brain. Contains the main areas of the brain related to vision.

Question 5

Structure and localisation of function in the brain (part 6 of brain and Neuropsychology)
Structure:
-temporal lobe

Answer 5

Contains areas related to language , speech and hearing.

Question 6

Structure and localisation of function in the brain (part 6 of brain and Neuropsychology)
Structure:
-cerebellum

Answer 6

Main role is supporting movement. It receives info from the spinal cord and parts of the brain to help with coordination , balance and fine movements.

Question 7

Structure and localisation of function in the brain (part 6 of brain and Neuropsychology)
Localisation:
-motor area

Answer 7

Controls movement on the opposite side of the body. For example damage to left motor area would lead to problems on the right side of the body.

Question 8

Structure and localisation of function in the brain (part 6 of brain and Neuropsychology)
Localisation:
-somatosensory area

Answer 8

The most sensitive body parts take up most ‘space’ in the somatosensory area. If damaged , person less able to feel pain and temperature changes.

Question 9

Structure and localisation of function in the brain (part 6 of brain and Neuropsychology)
Localisation:
-visual area

Answer 9

Each eye sends info to the visual areas on each side of the brain. Damage to the left visual area , for example , may cause blindness in the right visual field of each eyes

Question 10

Structure and localisation of function in the brain (part 6 of brain and
Localisation:
-auditory area

Answer 10

Damage to this area may cause partial or total hearing loss.

Question 11

Structure and localisation of function in the brain (part 6 of brain and Neuropsychology)
Localisation:
-language areas (brocas and wernickes)

Answer 11

The areas controlling language are in the left hemisphere only. There are two important localised language centres in the brain.

• brocas area - located on the left side of the frontal lobe and controls speech production. Damage to this area leads to brocas aphasia , a difficulty remembering and forming words.
• wernickes area - damage to this area would lead to wernickes aphasia , difficulty understanding language and be unable to produce meaningful speech.

Question 12

An introduction to neuropsychology (part 8 of the brain and Neuropsychology)
Cognitive neuroscience:
-cognitive neuroscience

Answer 12

The scientific study of how biological structures , such as areas of the brain , influence or control mental processes.

Question 13

An introduction to neuropsychology (part 8 of the brain and Neuropsychology)
Cognitive neuroscience:
-cognition

Answer 13

Mental processes of the mind e.g. memory and perception.

Question 14

An introduction to neuropsychology (part 8 of the brain and Neuropsychology)
Cognitive neuroscience:
-neuroscience

Answer 14

The study of brain function and behaviour.

Question 15

An introduction to neuropsychology (part 8 of the brain and Neuropsychology)
Cognitive neuroscience:
-Mental illness

Answer 15

Low serotonin may be the cause of low mood and suicidal thoughts (cognition) which causes the person to become withdrawn and stop going out.

Question 16

An introduction to neuropsychology (part 8 of the brain and Neuropsychology)
Neurological damage:
-neurological damage

Answer 16

Any event , such as illness or injury , which can result in neurological damage in the brain , may lead to a loss of function or change in behaviour.

Question 17

An introduction to neuropsychology (part 8 of the brain and Neuropsychology)
Neurological damage:
-the importance of localisation

Answer 17

Different areas of the brain perform different functions. Therefore the way in which neurological damage affects behaviour will depend on which area of the brain had been damaged.

Question 18

An introduction to neuropsychology (part 8 of the brain and Neuropsychology)
Neurological damage:
Effects of neurological damage on motor activity.

Answer 18

This motor area is located in the frontal lobe of both hemispheres. Damage on the left will affect movement on the right side of the body and vice versa.

Question 19

An introduction to neuropsychology (part 8 of the brain and Neuropsychology)
Neurological damage:
-effects of neurological damage on behaviour

Answer 19

Language can be damaged by stroke. In most people language areas are in the left hemisphere. The term aphasia is used for language damage it means an inability to understand and produce language.

Question 20

Scanning techniques to identify brain functioning (part 9 of brain and Neuropsychology)

• CT scan
• and it’s strength and weakness

Answer 20

Uses x rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of the body, including the Brain.
Strength- reveals abnormal structures in the brain
Weaknesses-only provide structural info

Question 21

Scanning techniques to identify brain functioning (part 9 of brain and Neuropsychology)

• FMRI scan
• strengths and weaknesses

Answer 21

A functional magnetic scan using radio waves to measure blood oxygen levels in the brain. Areas of the brain that are most active will use most oxygen and 3D images of the activity is shown on a computer screen.
Strength- shows which areas of the brain are being used at any one time.
Weaknesses- expensive , only effective if the person is still.

Question 22

Scanning techniques to identify brain functioning (part 9 of brain and Neuropsychology)

• PET scan
• strengths and weaknesses

Answer 22

A scan that slows live brain activity to be observed. An injection of a radioactive substance is given to the person. The active areas are represented in red on a screen.
Strengths- shows localisation of functions
Weaknesses- expensive