Biopsychology yr 2

• What theory did scientists believe in before the 19th century regarding brain function?

  The holistic theory that the entirety of the brain was used for thinking and action
• How did the case study of Phineas Gage change the understanding of brain function?


  It suggested that function is localized in the brain
• What was Phineas Gage's occupation?


  Railtrack worker
• What happened to Phineas Gage during the accident?


  A one metre long pole went through his head, damaging his frontal lobe
• What personality changes did Phineas Gage exhibit after his accident?

  He started swearing more and lying frequently
• What is the cortex of the brain?


  • The outer layer of the brain
  • Approximately 3mm thick
  • More developed in humans than in animals
  • Associated with higher forms of thought
• What does the motor cortex control?

  Motor movements
• Where is the motor cortex located?

  Just above the frontal lobe, next to the somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobe
• How do the motor cortices in both hemispheres function?


  They control opposite sides of the body
• What happens if the motor cortex is damaged?


  It results in loss of motor movement
• Where is the somatosensory cortex located?

  In the parietal lobes
• What type of information does the somatosensory cortex use?

  Sensory information like temperature and pain
• How does the somatosensory cortex process information?

  It localizes sensory information to specific regions
• How does the size of the brain area relate to body parts in the somatosensory cortex?


  The size reflects the sensitivity of that body part
• Where is the visual cortex located?

  At the back of the brain in the occipital lobe
• What initiates processing in the visual cortex?


  Processing begins in the retina
• How are nerve impulses from the retina transmitted to the brain?


  Via the optic nerve
• What types of visual information does the visual cortex process?


  Colour, shape, and movement
• What are the main functions of the different areas of the brain discussed?

  • Motor Cortex: Controls motor movements
  • Somatosensory Cortex: Processes sensory information like temperature and pain
  • Visual Cortex: Processes visual information such as colour, shape, and movement
• Where is the auditory cortex located?


  In both temporal lobes
• What initiates the auditory pathway?


  The inner ear where sound waves are converted into neural impulses
• How do neural impulses travel to the auditory cortex?


  Via the auditory nerve
• How does the auditory cortex respond to information?

  It responds appropriately to speech-based information
• What is the effect of damage to the auditory cortex?


  It may result in partial hearing loss
• What is the relationship between the extent of damage to the auditory cortex and hearing loss?

  The more damage, the more the loss of hearing
• What are the language centers in the brain primarily responsible for?


  • Speech production
  • Language comprehension
• Who discovered Broca's area?


  Paul Broca
• What is the function of Broca's area?


  It is responsible for speech production
• What condition results from damage to Broca's area?

  Broca's aphasia
• What are the symptoms of Broca's aphasia?

  Slow speech and lack of fluency
• Who was 'Tan' in relation to Broca's area?


  He was a patient who could only pronounce that syllable
• Where is Wernicke's area located?

  In the temporal lobe
• What is the primary function of Wernicke's area?


  Language comprehension
• What happens when Wernicke's area is damaged?


  It leads to Wernicke's aphasia
• What are the characteristics of Wernicke's aphasia?


  Severe comprehension problems and meaningless speech
• How do people with Wernicke's aphasia produce language?


  They can produce language but use nonsense words
• Why do people with Wernicke's aphasia struggle with communication?


  Because they can't understand speech