The localisation of brain function Flashcards
What does this subject look at?
the role of the specific functions of particular areas of the brain
What is lateralisation of brain function?
The brain has two hemispheres, the left and the right. To look at the brain it would seem that the two halves are symmetrical, however this is not the case. The study of lateralisation of function considers ‘hemispheric asymmetry’, that is, the differences between the hemispheres.
Explain the Cerebral Cortex and Limbic System.
The cerebrum is the part of the brain that you would recognise, it is the outer part of the brain and generally responsible for abilities such as perception, speech, recognition and so on. The limbic system on the other hand develops out of the brain stem and is considered to be the prehistoric brain and is responsible for primary functions such as breathing, sneezing, coughing, sleeping and so on. The limbic system is responsible for functions necessary for survival.
Explain Phineas Gage.
He was a railroad worker.
His job entailed laying explosives, in order to clear the way for the new railroad tracks to be laid.
One day, when he was laying explosives, the tamping iron he was using ignited the explosives blowing out much of his frontal lobe.
Gage’s personality changed dramatically; he became untrustworthy, profane and irritable.
It allowed doctors of the time to interpret the role of the prefrontal cortex as being responsible for personality
Explain Damasio et al
Carried out a virtual autopsy on the brain of Phineas Gage
They were able to compare it to stroke patients with damage in the same area
Their personalities also changed in similar ways
This all supports the claims that the prefrontal cortex was responsible for emotion and personality
What is Broca’s area?
It’s responsible for speech production
Those who have suffered from strokes where they are unable to speak will have damage to this area
What is Wernicke’s Area in the temporal lobe?
Responsible for the comprehension of speech
Damage will cause the patient to not be able to understand the spoken word
What is the parietal lobe?
Location is upper, back part of the cortex
Its function is to process sensory information that had to do with taste, temperature and touch
Explain Albert Einstein.
He had an enlarged parietal lobe
The parietal lobe is said to play role in higher cognitive functioning
What is the occipital lobe?
It’s one of the four major lobes of the cerebral cortex in the brain of mammals
It’s the visual processing centre of the mammalian brain containing most of the anatomical region of the visual cortex
What did Hubel & Weisel demonstrate?
that there was a critical period in which sight would need to develop. They also demonstrated that we have cells in our visual system that allow us to identify lines, corners, angles and so on. If we are deprived of any of these in the critical period, we will be blind for these lines/angles and so on
What is the cerebellum?
Coordinates voluntary movements such as posture, balance, coordination and speech
This results in smooth and balanced muscular activity
