Brain Plasticity and Specialization

Plasticity

brains ability to recognize and adapt throughout life in response to experiences, learning, and environmental changes.

ex: practicing and mastering instrument - brain undergoes plasticity

Split Brain Research

studies individuals who have undergone corpus callosotomy which disconnects two hemispheres of the brain

• done as treatment for epilepsy

Contralateral Hemispheric Organization

each brain hemisphere controls the opposite side of the body

Hemispheric Specialization

explored through split brain research

• each brain hemisphere has specialized functions and abilities

Linguistic Processing

complex cognitive processes involved in understanding and producing language

Broca’s Area

located on the left hemisphere of the brain, specifically in the frontal lobe

• specifically for speech production and language processing

Broca’s Aphasia

language disorder caused by damage to the Broca’s area

• often results from stroke or brain injury

• Difficulty producing fluent speech and forming grammatically correct sentences

Wernicke’s Area

region located in left hemisphere, specifically temporal lobe

• involved in language comprehension and understanding spoken and written language

Wernicke’s Aphasia

Language disorder caused by damage to Wernicke’s Area

• typically results from stroke or brain injury

• Fluent speech but difficulty understanding spoken word

• Speech is meaningless and nonsensical

Electroencephalogram “EEG”

non-invasive neuro-imaging technique used to record the electrical activity of the brain

• involved placing electrodes on scalp

• used to diagnose and monitor neurological conditions

• can detect brain activity during sleep stages

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging “fMRI”

neuroimaging technique used to measure brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow and oxygen levels

• detailed images of brains structure and function

Lesioning

research technique used to study brain function by intentionally damaging or destroying specific areas of the brain in animals