| Brain
Structure |
Function |
Associated Signs and
Symptoms |
|
Cerebral Cortex
Ventral View ( From bottom) |
The
outermost layer of the cerebral hemisphere which is composed of gray
matter. Cortices are asymmetrical. Both hemispheres are able to analyze
sensory data, perform memory functions, learn new information, form
thoughts and make decisions. |
|
| Left
Hemisphere |
Sequential
Analysis: systematic, logical interpretation of information.
Interpretation and production of symbolic information:language,
mathematics, abstraction and reasoning. Memory stored in a language
format. |
|
| Right
Hemisphere |
Holistic
Functioning: processing multi-sensory input simultaneously to provide
"holistic" picture of one's environment. Visual spatial skills. Holistic
functions such as dancing and gymnastics are coordinated by the right
hemisphere. Memory is stored in auditory, visual and spatial
modalities. |
|
|
Corpus Callosum
|
Connects
right and left hemisphere to allow for communication between the
hemispheres. Forms roof of the lateral and third ventricles. |
- Damage to the Corpus Callosum may result in "Split
Brain" syndrome.
|
|
Frontal Lobe
Ventral View (From Bottom)
Side View |
Cognition and memory.
Prefrontal area: The ability to
concentrate and attend, elaboration of thought. The "Gatekeeper";
(judgment, inhibition). Personality and emotional traits.
Movement:
Motor Cortex (Brodman's): voluntary
motor activity.
Premotor Cortex: storage of motor
patterns and voluntary activities.
Language: motor speech
|
- Impairment of recent memory, inattentiveness,
inability to concentrate, behavior disorders, difficulty in learning new
information. Lack of inhibition (inappropriate social and/or sexual
behavior). Emotional lability. "Flat" affect.
- Contralateral plegia, paresis.
- Expressive/motor aphasia.
|
|
Parietal Lobe
|
Processing of sensory input,
sensory discrimination.
Body orientation.
Primary/ secondary somatic
area. |
- Inability to discriminate between sensory
stimuli.
- Inability to locate and recognize parts of the body
(Neglect).
- Severe Injury: Inability to recognize self.
- Disorientation of environment space.
- Inability to write.
|
|
Occipital Lobe
|
Primary visual reception
area.
Primary visual association area:
Allows for visual interpretation. |
- Primary Visual Cortex: loss of vision opposite
field.
- Visual Association Cortex: loss of ability to
recognize object seen in opposite field of vision, "flash of light",
"stars".
|
|
Temporal Lobe
|
Auditory receptive area and
association areas.
Expressed behavior.
Language: Receptive
speech.
Memory: Information
retrieval.
|
- Hearing deficits.
- Agitation, irritability, childish
behavior.
- Receptive/ sensory aphasia.
|
|
Limbic System
|
Olfactory pathways:
Amygdala and their different
pathways.
Hippocampi and their different
pathways.
Limbic lobes: Sex, rage, fear;
emotions. Integration of recent memory, biological rhythms.
Hypothalamus. |
- Loss of sense of smell.
- Agitation, loss of control of emotion. Loss of recent
memory.
|
|
Basal Ganglia
|
Subcortical gray matter nuclei.
Processing link between thalamus and motor cortex. Initiation and
direction of voluntary movement. Balance (inhibitory), Postural
reflexes.
Part of extrapyramidal system:
regulation of automatic movement. |
- Movement disorders: chorea, tremors at rest and with
initiation of movement, abnormal increase in muscle tone, difficulty
initiating movement.
- Parkinson's.
|
