brain function & localisation. phrenology theory created by franz joseph gall associated...
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Brain Function & Localisation
Phrenology Theory created by Franz Joseph Gall Associated various human characteristics with
areas of the brain e.g. constructiveness and language
Pierre Flourens Asked by the F.A.S. to carry out experiments on animals in
order to see if Gall’s theories were correct. Used several new methods to see the behaviours the
different Was able to distinguish between areas of the brain that
controlled voluntary and involuntary movement
Pierre Paul Broca Carried out post mortem experiments on the brain of a
mentally challenged patient ‘Tan’ Was able to clearly see the area of the brain responsible for
speech.
Carl Wernicke Discovered a similar area in the temporal lobe, which, when
lesioned, led to sensory deficit in language. Allowed him to conclude that there were links between the
two hemispheres and their functions.
Gustav Fritsch and Eduard Hitzig
Experimented using electrical stimulation of the cerebral cortex
Observed involuntary muscle movement in various body parts.
Sir David Ferrier Also used electrical stimulation of the cortex to deduce which
areas of the brain were required for precise motor control Corroborated by surgical evidence
PET Scans Use positron emissions from a radioactive tracer to show a
functional image of the body.
fMRI Neuro-imaging technique that measures blood flow to
different areas of the brain to produce a functional image. By measuring blood flow the activity levels in different areas
of the brain can be studied In fMRI it is the magnetic signal from hydrogen nuclei in
water (H2O) that is detected.
