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SAQ - Localization of Function in The Brain

The document discusses localization of brain function and provides an example study. The study found that the hippocampus of London taxi drivers was larger than non-drivers, and the size correlated with years of experience. This provides evidence that the posterior hippocampus is responsible for spatial memory and navigation.

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80 views

SAQ - Localization of Function in The Brain

The document discusses localization of brain function and provides an example study. The study found that the hippocampus of London taxi drivers was larger than non-drivers, and the size correlated with years of experience. This provides evidence that the posterior hippocampus is responsible for spatial memory and navigation.

Uploaded by

ale.v.torrico.r
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Explain one example of localization of function in the brain.

Localisation of brain function refers to the theory that different parts of the brain are responsible
for different functions, such as behaviours. One example is Imaging technologies, which has
successfully understood how different parts of the brain function for various things. These
technologies provide information through grey matter about the location of function of areas
whose volume increases due to repeatedly performing a particular task. Making a clear
connection between a part of the brain, and its function.

The brain is one of the most complex organs of the body. This is divided into four key areas,
each serving a specific function and purpose, playing a key role in day-to-day behaviours,
memories and decisions. Among these is the Hippocampus which is found in the centre of the
brain and is considered one of the vital areas of the Limbic system as it can regulate emotions
needed for survival, such as fighting, nourishment and sexual impulses. In addition to survival
instincts, it is also responsible for the transfer of short-term memories into the long-term,
specifically regarding spatial navigation and awareness.

One study that shows the localisation of brain function is the one of Maguire et al. (2000), which
aimed to see if there was a difference between the brain of a London taxi driver (LTD) to that of
any person who was not. The requirements for the 16 participants were that they had a minimum
of 1.5 years of experience as an LTD. Therefore, they must’ve completed the “The Knowledge”
training to be certified. They also needed to be right-handed and male. The ages were varied so
that they would not be a confounding variable. Another 50 right-hand male non-LTD acted as the
control group to compare the results from the participants using an MRI scan. They discovered
that the posterior hippocampus of LTD was significantly larger than that of males who were not
LTD. Also, the volume of the right posterior hippocampus directly correlated to the amount of
time spent as a taxi driver. This quasi-experiment showed that the hippocampus may change in
response to environmental demands.

Maguire et al (2000) aims to provide evidence for structural differences between the
hippocampus of London taxi drivers, and non drivers. Linking his results to localization of brain
function. He suggests that spatial memory is located at the posterior hippocampus, as well as
brain plasticity. Bringing evidence to the theory that this part of the brain functions for a
particular task.

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