THE BRAIN MUSEUM

Phrenology Specific to biology and ‘shape’ of brains as well as the understanding that different parts do different things.

Neuroscience Builds off of the accuracies and inaccuracies of phrenology. Apart from the obvious, it is also simply TOO REDUCTIONIST Although there are clear correlations between parts of the brain and certain behaviors, there is also clear evidence of overlap and a lack of concrete understanding. The discovery of neurons and neurotransmitters has added to this understanding to give us a connective route between localization of function and behavior.

Localization of Function in the Brain The understanding that the origin of some behaviors can be traced to a specific part of the brain It is not a solution or an attempt to make phrenological claims about behavior and emotion It is not a ‘catch all’ understanding of fully complex behaviors (for example, language), but rather an understanding that a specific area of the brain has a role to play in the development of a behavior (or thought, or emotion) SEE PEARSON PG 39 (BOTTOM) AND/OR CRANE PG 43 FOR DETAILS IF CONFUSED ABOUT THESE DEFINITIONS

The Case of Phineas Gage

CONCLUSIONS: Damage to the Frontal Lobe can result in behavioral changes classified as social social disinhibition. AMAGE According to our understanding of the Case of Phineas Gage, the Frontal Lobe demonstrates a localized function of behavior in that it has a clear role to play in our development of social behavior and our expression of inhibitions. PLEASE complete a key study sheet OR thoroughly make note of the ”Case of Phineas Gage” – You DO NOT NEED TO EVALUATE this, we will devote an entire two days of class to the uniqueness of a Case Study and how/when/if it is generalizable. Crane pg 42/Pearson pg 44

Other Examples of Localized Function: The Amygdala and The Parietal Lobe,

Amygdala Location It is imbedded centrally and deeply within the Temporal Lobe. It is small and almond shaped (Amygdala actually means almond in Latin).

Amygdala Functions Aggression Fear Emotional Responses Arousal Hormonal Secretions Memory

Amygdala: Symptoms and Issues with Dysfunction Lack of response to ‘reward’ and ‘stimulus’ Decreased emotional tension, connection and response (to unhealthy degree; for example lacking empathy or connectivity to others emotions or inability to learn from others experiences)

Amygdala: KEY STUDY Whalen et al (1998) - Pearson pg 91

Parietal Lobe Location Top Central Part of the brain under what is called the Parietal Bone. It spans both hemispheres thus there is both a left and right Parietal Lobe.

Parietal Lobe Functions Sensory information (such as hot and cold differences). Reading and speech Certain aspects of cognition (such as logical problem solving and knowledge acquisition/application)

Parietal Lobe: Symptoms and Issues with Dysfunction Hemineglect - The ‘willingness to neglect, or tendency to form a natural inattention to one half of the brain.’ Cannot identify things by touch (such as 3D items or letters drawn onto their hand) Aspects of Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia Anosognosia (the inability to notice or understand ones own disorders).

Parietal Lobe: KEY STUDY The Case of Janet (Pearson pg 45)