6.3.1 Localisation of Function in the Brain

Localisation of function

Localisation of function: The idea that certain functions are linked to certain areas within the brain

Motor cortex:

Controls body movement by sending nerve impulses to motor neurons which control muscles in the body

Organised contralaterally

Somatosensory cortex:

Processes sensory information such as touch, pressure, temperature, and pain by receiving nerve impulses from sensory neurons that communicate with sensory receptors in the skin

Organised contralaterally

Visual cortex:

Processes visual information by receiving nerve impulses from sensory neurons that communicate with sensory receptors in the eyes

Organised contralaterally

Auditory cortex:

Processes sound by receiving nerve impulses from sensory neurons that communicate with sensory receptors in the ears

NOT organised contralaterally

Language Centres:

Broca's area: Enables us to produce language

Wernicke's area: Enables us to understand language

The Broca's area and the Wernicke's area are both hemispherically lateralised to the left hemisphere

Wernicke's aphasia: Damage to the Wernicke's area

Broca's aphasia: Damage to the Broca's area

Evaluation:

(1)

infoNote

P: There is conflicting evidence from research into brain plasticity and functional recovery

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E: For instance, studies of stroke victims who have lost some brain functions due to brain damage have shown that the brain has the ability to re-wire itself with undamaged brain regions taking over the functions of damaged brain regions.

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E: Thus, this suggests that neurons can take over at least some of the functions that have been lost, providing evidence against localisation of function

(2)

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P: Localisation of function is supported by research by case studies

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E: For instance, the study of Phineas Gage who was injured with a pole through his frontal lobe, found that his personality changed massively, causing him to become short-tempered and rude. This suggests that the frontal lobe may be responsible for regulating mood

infoNote

E: This supports the localisation of function theory as it provides evidence for the idea that specific brain regions perform specific functions

Localisation of Function in the Brain Simplified Revision Notes for A-Level AQA Psychology

6.3.1 Localisation of Function in the Brain

Localisation of function

Motor cortex:

Somatosensory cortex:

Visual cortex:

Auditory cortex:

Language Centres:

Evaluation:

(1)

(2)

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