Localisation of Brain Function

• Who is Patient H. and what issue did he face?


  Henry Molaison, who had memory issues and was unable to form new memories.
• What is the primary function of the cerebrum?


  It regulates all higher intellectual processes.
• What is the outermost layer of the cerebrum called?

  The cerebral cortex.
• Why does the cerebral cortex appear grey?


  Because of the location of cell bodies.
• How do sensing systems interact with the cerebral cortex?


  They send messages to and from the cerebral cortex.
• What are the two hemispheres of the cerebrum connected by?


  The corpus callosum.
• What is the role of the corpus callosum?


  It carries messages between the right and left hemispheres.
• What are the four lobes of the brain?

  • Frontal lobe
  • Parietal lobe
  • Temporal lobe
  • Occipital lobe
• What does damage to the contralateral side of the body indicate?


  It suggests damage to the corresponding area in the brain.
• What is the function of the auditory area in the brain?


  It processes information from our ears and analyzes speech-based information.
• What happens if there is damage to the auditory area?


  It may produce partial hearing loss, with more extensive damage leading to greater loss.
• What is the role of the visual area in the brain?


  It processes information from the eyes.
• How does visual information travel from the eyes to the brain?


  Each eye sends information from the right visual field to the left cortex and vice versa.
• What can damage to the left hemisphere cause in terms of visual perception?


  It can produce blindness in part of the right visual field.
• What is aphasia?


  It is the inability or impaired ability to understand or produce speech.
• What is Broca's area responsible for?


  It is involved in speech production.
• What is Wernicke's area responsible for?


  It is responsible for the understanding of language.
• What happens when there is damage to both Broca's and Wernicke's areas?


  It can lead to the production of nonsense words in speech.
• What are the strengths and limitations of the research on brain function?

  Strengths:

  • Brain scans show activity in Wernicke’s and Broca’s areas during tasks.

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Higher cognitive functions may be distributed more complexly.
  • Removed areas of the cortex had less impact than expected.
  • Other areas may contribute to speech abilities beyond Broca’s area.