LEC 15 - LanguageCerebralCortex Flashcards
(35 cards)
Define the cerebral (neo)cortex.
Function: Responsible for “higher-order” cognitive functions (e.g., language).
Structure: Complex input-output dynamics with deeper brain areas (e.g., basal ganglia)
Describe the structure of the brain’s cortex.
The cortex consists of gyri, which are the ridges, and sulci, which are the grooves.
Advantages of Folding Neural Tissue?
Increased Surface Area
Define gyrification in the context of mammalian brains.
Not all mammal brains have folds (gyrencephalic); some are smooth (lissencephaly).
Describe the two main types of neurons found in the cortex.
pyramidal neurons, use glutamate as a neurotransmitter (axonal projections to distal targets)
non-pyramidal (inter)neurons, which use GABA. (local circuit elements)
How does processing in the brain occur?
Processing in the brain relies on patterned electrical activity, which is determined by the excitatory and inhibitory effects that neurons exert on each other.
What makes up the grey matter in the brain?
made up of neuronal cell bodies, also known as soma.
Describe white matter
Neurons send signals through axon bundles, forming white matter. Groups of axons with similar connections are called tracts, fasciculi, or lemnisci.
Describe the function of the central sulcus in the brain.
The central sulcus separates the frontal and parietal lobes.
Define the longitudinal fissure and its significance.
The longitudinal fissure separates the two cerebral hemispheres.
How does the lateral sulcus contribute to brain structure?
The lateral sulcus separates the temporal lobe from the frontal and parietal lobes.
What is the role of the pre-occipital notch in brain anatomy?
The pre-occipital notch delineates the temporal and occipital lobes.
Explain the concept of partial bilateral symmetry in the brain.
found between the cortical hemispheres.
Occipital Lobe and Primary Visual Cortex
The occipital lobe is responsible for visual processing.
Light detected in the retina is sent to the primary visual cortex through the thalamus.
It includes primary, secondary, and associative visual areas.
Describe calcarine sulcus
The calcarine sulcus divides the occipital lobe into two parts:
Upper domain: Receives input from the lower visual field.
Lower domain: Receives input from the upper visual field.
What are the Areas Involved in Speech Production?
Pre-central gyrus
Post-central gyrus
Superior temporal gyrus
Define the function of the pre-central gyrus in relation to speech.
known as the primary motor area (M1), responsible for sending motor signals for speech production.
Define the function of the post-central gyrus in relation to speech.
the somatosensory area (S1), responsible for receiving tactile information from the face, lips, and tongue during speech.
Describe speech as Sensorimotor Activity
Speech involves both sensing and movement.
The brain sends signals to facial muscles for speaking and gets feedback from those muscles.
The areas involved (S1 and M1) are located on the sides of the brain during speech.
How does the sensory homunculus illustrate topographic mapping?
The sensory homunculus illustrates topographic mapping by showing disproportionate representations of some body regions over others,
Describe the role of the frontal lobe in motor output.
The pre-central gyrus in the frontal lobe controls motor output.
It contributes upper motor neurons to corticobulbar and corticospinal tracts, controlling muscles through lower motor neurons.
DescribeAuditory Processing in the Temporal Lobe
The primary auditory cortex is located in the transverse temporal gyri of the temporal lobe (Heschl’s gyrus).
It has a tonotopic arrangement, where neurons representing similar frequencies are located close together.
Describe the function of Broca’s area.
Critical for speech production.
Located in the frontal lobe (inferior frontal gyrus and lateral primary motor cortex).
Damage leads to non-fluent aphasia.
Define Wernicke’s area and its role in language.
Involved in language comprehension.
Located in the temporal and parietal lobes.
Damage leads to fluent aphasia.
