Neuroanatomy

• What is neuroanatomy?

  The structure of the brain and the nervous system
• Define the term lateralisation?

  The two hemispheres of the brain have specific functions
• What is the brain split into?

  Hemispheres
• What is localisation?

  Specific brain areas regulate specific functions
• What happens if an area is damaged?

  The activity related to that area if affected or impaired
• What is the cortex?

  Very thin eggshell like layer that covers the brain
• What are the key facts about the cortex?


  Vey developed

  higher localised functions happen in this area

  3 major areas
• What are the 3 major areas of the cortex?

  Motor area

  Visual area

  Somato sensory area
• What is the visual cortex responsible for?

  Sight
• Explain the role of the visual cortex?

  The left visual area is responsible for the right eye

  The right visual area is responsible for the left eye

  If one area of the visual cortex is damaged it can cause partial blindness in both eyes
• What is the role of the motor area?

  Planning and controlling voluntary movements like walking and talking
• Explain the motor cortex

  The left side is responsible for the movements of the right side of the body

  The right side is responsible for the left side of the body
• What is somato sensory area responsible for?

  Processing the somatic sensations - touch temperature and pain
• What happens if there is damage to this somatic area?

  You can feel numbness and tingles
• What does it mean when a larger area of the somato topic arrangement it covered

  That area is more sensitive
• How many areas are there of the somatic sensory area?

  4

  3a and 3b are the main processing areas of touch

  1 and 2 involve more complex processing
• What is synaptic pruning?

  Cutting back on synapses as we get older to make room for new ones due to brains new demands
• What does it mean by the plasticity of the brain?

  Brains ability to adapt to new experiences and learning
• What is functional recovery? 


  If one part of the brain is damaged then the other parts take over its functions - this creates new synaptic connections close to the damaged area
• What are the weaknesses?


  • less localised or lateralised than thought - language functions are wide spread across the brain - doesn't fully explain the organisation of the brain and its functions
• What are the strengths?

  • lateralisation - making and assessing facial expressions controlled by right hemisphere - area specific functions
  • Practical applications - elderly - treat cognitive decline - helps neurotransmitters produce neurons - they used game related activities to help memory and attention