biopsych Flashcards
(59 cards)
What are the two hemispheres of the brain joined by?
The corpus callosum
The corpus callosum is made up of bundles of nerve fibers.
What is the function of the corpus callosum?
To allow communication between the hemispheres of the brain.
What does it mean that the brain is contralateral?
The left hand side of the body is controlled by the right hemisphere and vice versa.
What structure is made up of bundles of nerve fibers?
The corpus callosum.
True or False: The left hemisphere controls the left side of the body.
False.
Fill in the blank: The brain is divided into 2 _______.
[hemispheres]
What event in 1848 questioned the holistic theory of the brain?
The case of Phineas Gage
What caused the injury to Phineas Gage’s brain?
A metal rod flew behind his eye, causing a hole in his frontal lobe
What changes occurred in Phineas Gage after his injury?
His planning skills changed and he became more aggressive
Who studied brain structure by looking at brains postmortem?
Broca and Wernicke
What did Broca and Wernicke find that allowed them to identify specific parts of the brain?
Anatomical differences and damage
What is the theory of localisation of function?
Certain parts of the brain have specific functions
How does localisation of function oppose the holistic theory?
Localisation states that specific parts of the brain are responsible for specific activities, while holistic theory suggests all parts are involved in all activities
Where is the motor cortex located?
In the back of the frontal lobe
What is the primary function of the motor cortex?
To send signals to direct the body’s voluntary movement
Where is the somatosensory cortex located?
At the front of the parietal lobe
What type of information does the somatosensory cortex receive?
Tactile information including sensations such as touch, pressure, temperature, and pain
Where are the visual centres located?
In the occipital lobe
What functions are associated with the visual centres?
- Visuospatial processing
- Distance and depth perception
- Colour determination
- Face and object recognition
- Memory formation
Where are the auditory centres located?
In the temporal lobe
What is the primary function of the auditory centres?
To process auditory information
What hemisphere are the language centres localized and lateralized to?
Left hemisphere
What does Broca’s area allow for?
Speech production
What is the function of Wernicke’s area?
Language comprehension