Localisation of function in the brain -A-Level Psychology

Localisation of function in the brain

-the theory that different areas of the brain are responsible for different behaviours,processes or activities.

Table of Contents

Hemispheres of the brain and the cerebral cortex:

-the brain is divided into two symmetrical halves(left and right hemispheres)

-activity on the left hand side of the body is controlled by the right hemisphere

-activity on the right hand side of the body is controlled by the left hemisphere

-the outer layer of both hemispheres is known as the cerebral cortex.Appears as grey matter due to presence of cell bodies

The brain is divided into 4 lobes:

Name: Motor cortex

Where it is located: Frontal lobe along the precentral gyrus

Function: Controls voluntary movement in the opposite side of the body.Damage to this area leads to loss of control over fine motor movements .

Name: Somatosensory cortex

Where it is located: Parietal lobe in the postcentral gyrus

Function: Detects sensory events from different regions in the body and produces sensations such as touch and pain from receptors.

Name: Visual cortex

Where it is located: Occipital lobe

Function: Each eye sends info from the right visual field to the left visual cortex and from the left visual field to the right visual cortex.It processes colour ,shape,movement

Name: Auditory centre

Where it is located: Temporal lobe

Function: Analyses speech based info so is concerned with hearing

Language area:

Broca’s area:

-associated with speech production

-damage causes Broca’s aphasia which slows speech e.g. Tan’s case study

Wernicke’s area:

-involved in understanding language

-left temporal lobe

-damage causes Wernicke’s aphasia

Evaluation:

Brain scan evidence for localisation of brain functions-Peterson et al used brain scans to demonstrate how Wernicke’s area was active during a listening task and Broca’s area was active during a reading task,suggesting that areas of the brain have different functions.

Case study -Phineas Gage’s frontal lobe was impaled with a pole.The damage to his brain left a mark on his personality from a calm to quick-tempered individual.This suggested that the frontal lobe may be responsible for regulating mood.However it is difficult to draw general conclusions from the case study as it is one unique event that can not be generalised to daily life.

Localisation of function refers to the idea that different areas of the brain are responsible for specific functions or behaviors. For example, the visual cortex is responsible for processing visual information, while the frontal cortex is involved in decision-making and problem-solving.

Understanding localisation of function is important because it can help us understand how different parts of the brain contribute to behavior and cognition. It can also help us understand how damage to specific areas of the brain can lead to different types of cognitive and behavioral impairments.

Localisation of function is studied using a variety of techniques, including brain imaging techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), as well as studies of patients with brain injuries or diseases.

The motor cortex is a region of the brain that is involved in controlling voluntary movement. It is located in the frontal lobe and is divided into two main regions: the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex. The primary motor cortex is responsible for the execution of movement, while the premotor cortex is involved in planning and coordinating movement.

Broca’s area is a region of the brain that is located in the left frontal lobe and is involved in language production. Damage to Broca’s area can result in a type of language impairment called Broca’s aphasia, which is characterized by difficulty producing speech.

Wernicke’s area is a region of the brain that is located in the left temporal lobe and is involved in language comprehension. Damage to Wernicke’s area can result in a type of language impairment called Wernicke’s aphasia, which is characterized by difficulty understanding language.

Yes, the brain has the ability to reorganize its functions after damage through a process called neuroplasticity. This can involve the recruitment of other areas of the brain to take over the functions of damaged areas, or the growth of new neural connections.

Localisation of function is an important concept in psychology because it helps us understand how different parts of the brain contribute to behavior and cognition. It can also help us understand how different types of cognitive and behavioral impairments arise from damage to specific areas of the brain.