structure and localisation of function in the brain Flashcards
how is the brian divided
The brain is divided into two hemispheres.
The cerebral cortex covers the brain and is divided into four lobes.
explain the Frontal lobe, contains motor area
Front of the brain.
Controls thinking, planning and movement.
Contains one language area – Broca’s area.
explain the Parietal lobe, contains somatosensory area
Behind the frontal lobe, with somatosensory area at the front.
Sensations are processed, e.g. touch.
explain the Occipital lobe, contains visual area
Back of the brain.
Controls vision.
explain the Temporal lobe and auditory/ language area
Behind the frontal lobe and below occipital lobe.
Auditory area related to speech and hearing.
Includes part of the language area – Wernicke’s area.
what does the cerebellum do
Receives information from the spinal cord and the brain.
Main role is movement, coordination and balance. Also involved in attention and language.
what is the cerebellum
Cerebellum The ‘little brain’ at the base of the brain above the spinal cord that coordinates movement with sensory input (sensorimotor) and also has a role in cognition.
what is the cerebral cortex
Cerebral cortex The very thin outer layer of brain tissue that gives the brain its pinky-grey appearance. It is highly folded and complex in humans, which is what separates our brain from that of animals. It is the main centre of the brain’s conscious awareness.
what is localisation
Specific brain areas do particular jobs.
what happens if there is damage to the motor
Damage to the motor area in the left hemisphere affects the right side of the body.
what happens if there is damage to the Somatosensory area
The most sensitive body parts take up most ‘space’ e.g. sensations for face and hands use over half of the neurons available.
Damage means less ability to feel pain and temperature.
what happens if there is damage to the visual area
Right visual field of each eye sends information to the visual area in the left hemisphere, and vice versa.
Damage to the visual area in the left hemisphere may cause blindness in the right visual field of both eyes.
what happens if there is damage to the Auditory area
Damage can lead to deafness.
what happens when there is damage to the language area
Areas controlling language are in the left hemisphere only.
Damage to Broca’s area leads to difficulty remembering and forming words.
Damage to Wernicke’s area leads to difficulty understanding and producing language.
