Topic 5- Localisation Of Function

Question 1

PEEL 1
Lesions in Broca’s area

Answer 1

P- A problem with this study is that lesions often affect several brain areas.
E- Dronker examined the brains of two of Broca’s patients using MRI and found other areas were damaged not just Broca’s.
E- Lesions that only affected Broca’s area only resulted in temporary speech disruption.
L- Suggesting language involves networks of brain regions, not just specific areas.

Question 2

PEEL 2
If neuron’s damaged loss of a function

Answer 2

P- The communication between 2 brain areas might be more important than localisation.
E- If the connecting neuron’s between the different areas are damaged, this can result in loss of function.
E- Dejerine described a case where the loss of the ability to read was because of damaged neurons connecting to the visual cortex and Wernicke’s area.
L- Suggesting that complex behaviours involve impulses being passed around the brain through a network of neuron’s.

Question 3

PEEL 3
If brain damaged other areas take function

Answer 3

P- A support could be equipotentiality as Lashley believed if a brain area was damaged, other intact areas of the cortex could take over its function.
E- The extent of brain damage would depend on its extent rather than location.
E- This is supported by the discovery that people can regain some cognitive ability after brain damage.
L- Supporting the idea that basic motor and sensory functions are localised, but higher mental functions aren’t.