Overview + Phineas Gage

Certain brain/cognitive functions are located…

In different brain areas and structures

Function in the brain is ____________ controlled, meaning that the left hemisphere controls the _______________________ and vise versa

Contralateraly

Right side of the body

A case study into localisation of function is that of Phineas Gage who, in 1848, experienced an accident where a piece of iron…

Exploded towards his face just below his left eye while working on a rail line

It went through his left cheek bone up into his skull and brain and out the top…

Of his head, taking some of his brain with it

Although he survived his head trauma, he experienced a drastic change in personality: loss of…

Inhibition, anger, and patience

This change of disposition provided evidence to support localisation of brain functions as it was believed the area where the iron stake damaged was responsible for…

Personality and regulation of emotions