Localisation Of Function

• Localisation of function in the brain

  The idea that different areas of the brain are responsible for different functions
• Motor cortex

  • Located at the back of the frontal lobe
  • Responsible for voluntary motor movements
• Broca's area

  • Located to the left of the frontal lobe
  • Responsible for speech production
• Auditory cortex

  • Located at the top of the temporal lobe
  • Processes sound information
• Wernicke's area

  • Located at the top of the temporal lobe
  • Responsible for speech comprehension
• Localisation of function demonstrates less of certain functions when certain areas of the brain are destroyed
• Contralateral

  Each hemisphere of the brain controls the opposite side of the body
• Corpus callosum

  A bundle of around 200-300 million nerve fibres connecting the two hemispheres of the brain
• Split brain research

  Cutting the corpus callosum is a surgical procedure for epilepsy to isolate each hemisphere
• Plasticity

  The brain adapts in both its functions and structure as a result of changes in the environment (e.g. damage)
• Factors affecting plasticity

  • Learning new skills
  • Developmental changes
  • Response to trauma
  • Brain swelling or bleeding
• Functional recovery

  Functions performed by areas of the brain that are lost or damaged, being performed by undamaged areas
• Synaptic pruning

  Synapses which are frequently used become stronger over time, however unused synapses will be lost
• Axonal sprouting

  Existing neurons growing new axons to connect adjacent neurons