Localisation of Function in the Brain: A Comprehensive Overview
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18
0
E
Erica
24/07/2025
Psychology
Localisation of function in the brain
Challenges to Localisation Theory and Case Study Evidence
This page presents counterarguments to the strict localisation of function in the brain theory and provides case study evidence that both supports and challenges the concept.
The text begins by discussing Lashley's 1950 study on rats, which challenges the localisation theory. Lashley found that learning a maze route seemed to involve the entire cortex rather than a specific area, contradicting the idea of strictly localised functions.
Example: Lashley's rat study showed that removing different areas of the cortex did not prevent maze learning, suggesting a more holistic brain function.
The document then addresses challenges to language localisation. It mentions that advanced brain-imaging techniques have identified language processing in areas beyond the traditional Broca's and Wernicke's areas. This finding contradicts the strict localisation theory for language functions.
Highlight: Modern brain imaging has revealed language processing occurs in multiple brain regions, not just Broca's and Wernicke's areas.
The page concludes with a brief mention of case study evidence. It notes that some cases of neurological damage support the localisation theory. The text specifically mentions Phineas Gage, a famous case in neuropsychology.
Example: The case of Phineas Gage, who lost most of his left frontal lobe, provides support for the localisation of certain functions in specific brain areas.
This section emphasizes the ongoing debate in brain function localisation, highlighting that while there is evidence supporting localisation, there are also findings that suggest a more complex and distributed processing of functions in the brain.
Localisation of Function in the Brain: Foundations and Structure
This page introduces the concept of localisation of function in the brain and contrasts it with the holistic theory. It details the structure of the brain, including hemispheres and lobes, and explains the principle of lateralisation.
The foundation of localisation theory is attributed to Broca and Wernicke's discoveries, which challenged the prevailing holistic theory. The brain's structure is described as divided into left and right hemispheres, each controlling the opposite side of the body. The concept of lateralisation is introduced, highlighting that some functions are controlled by specific hemispheres.
The page further elaborates on the brain's four lobes - frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal - and their associated functions. It specifically mentions the motor area, somatosensory area, visual cortex, and auditory areas.
Definition: Lateralisation refers to the specialization of function in a particular hemisphere of the brain.
Vocabulary: Somatosensory area is the region of the brain responsible for processing sensory information from the skin and body.
The text then focuses on the language centers of the brain, typically located in the left hemisphere. It introduces Broca's area in the left frontal lobe, responsible for speech production, and Wernicke's area in the left temporal lobe, responsible for language understanding.
Highlight: The language centers, Broca's area and Wernicke's area, play crucial roles in speech production and language comprehension respectively.
The page concludes with an evaluation section, presenting evidence supporting the localisation of function in the brain. It mentions findings from neurosurgery, where damage to specific brain areas has been linked to particular deficits. The text also notes that some mental disorders are treated with targeted neurosurgery, with successful outcomes suggesting localisation of certain behaviors.
Example: Brain scans have shown Wernicke's area activating during listening tasks and Broca's area during reading tasks, supporting the localisation theory.
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Localisation of Brain Function: Easy Examples and Fun Facts
Localisation of Function in the Brain: A Comprehensive Overview
This document explores the concept of localisation of function in the brain, contrasting it with the holistic theory and delving into the structure and functions of different brain areas. It... Show more
Challenges to Localisation Theory and Case Study Evidence
This page presents counterarguments to the strict localisation of function in the brain theory and provides case study evidence that both supports and challenges the concept.
The text begins by discussing Lashley's 1950 study on rats, which challenges the localisation theory. Lashley found that learning a maze route seemed to involve the entire cortex rather than a specific area, contradicting the idea of strictly localised functions.
Example: Lashley's rat study showed that removing different areas of the cortex did not prevent maze learning, suggesting a more holistic brain function.
The document then addresses challenges to language localisation. It mentions that advanced brain-imaging techniques have identified language processing in areas beyond the traditional Broca's and Wernicke's areas. This finding contradicts the strict localisation theory for language functions.
Highlight: Modern brain imaging has revealed language processing occurs in multiple brain regions, not just Broca's and Wernicke's areas.
The page concludes with a brief mention of case study evidence. It notes that some cases of neurological damage support the localisation theory. The text specifically mentions Phineas Gage, a famous case in neuropsychology.
Example: The case of Phineas Gage, who lost most of his left frontal lobe, provides support for the localisation of certain functions in specific brain areas.
This section emphasizes the ongoing debate in brain function localisation, highlighting that while there is evidence supporting localisation, there are also findings that suggest a more complex and distributed processing of functions in the brain.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Localisation of Function in the Brain: Foundations and Structure
This page introduces the concept of localisation of function in the brain and contrasts it with the holistic theory. It details the structure of the brain, including hemispheres and lobes, and explains the principle of lateralisation.
The foundation of localisation theory is attributed to Broca and Wernicke's discoveries, which challenged the prevailing holistic theory. The brain's structure is described as divided into left and right hemispheres, each controlling the opposite side of the body. The concept of lateralisation is introduced, highlighting that some functions are controlled by specific hemispheres.
The page further elaborates on the brain's four lobes - frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal - and their associated functions. It specifically mentions the motor area, somatosensory area, visual cortex, and auditory areas.
Definition: Lateralisation refers to the specialization of function in a particular hemisphere of the brain.
Vocabulary: Somatosensory area is the region of the brain responsible for processing sensory information from the skin and body.
The text then focuses on the language centers of the brain, typically located in the left hemisphere. It introduces Broca's area in the left frontal lobe, responsible for speech production, and Wernicke's area in the left temporal lobe, responsible for language understanding.
Highlight: The language centers, Broca's area and Wernicke's area, play crucial roles in speech production and language comprehension respectively.
The page concludes with an evaluation section, presenting evidence supporting the localisation of function in the brain. It mentions findings from neurosurgery, where damage to specific brain areas has been linked to particular deficits. The text also notes that some mental disorders are treated with targeted neurosurgery, with successful outcomes suggesting localisation of certain behaviors.
Example: Brain scans have shown Wernicke's area activating during listening tasks and Broca's area during reading tasks, supporting the localisation theory.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user