Question

Any thought, emotion, or behavior is influenced by numerous neural clusters and brain structures functioning together. For the action of Language Processing Write the name and functions for each of the 5 brain areas involved in Language processing(note these are numbered in sequence of steps in language processing)

Explain the concept of PLASTICITY, citing text and specific examples:

Answer 1

The name and functions of the five brain areas involved in Language processing:

1) Wernick's area: input of language goes from a visual or auditory cortex to the Wernick's area first, exactly the posterior temporal lobe.

2) Posterior temporal lobe: The posterior temporal lobe performs the final stages of language comprehension.

3) Broca's area: Wernick's area connects to Broca's area that is the posterior interior frontal lobe through the Arcuate fasciculus. This area is responsible for production of meaningful language.

4) Motor Cortex: Finally the output from Broca's area goes to the Motor Cortex where the required muscle control takes place in order to read or write.

5) Right Hemisphere: In this area, anatomical regions, the emotional context of language is processed.

Concept of Plasticity:

The concept of plasticity refers to the ability of the nerve cells in the brain to change and adapt with new experiences and learning. This is also known as neuroplasticity. Some characteristics of plasticity are:

1) It can vary with age

2) It involves alot of processes with neurons.

3)It results as an interplay between genes and environment.

4) New experiences in the brain as a result of psychoactive substance may result in detrimental effects on the person.

An example that could be cited in this regard would be from Norman Doige's book, "The Brain that changes itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science". In this book, an example of a surgeon is given who suffers from stroke. Half of his body was paralysed and he was set to a cleaning task. This task seemed unachievable at first. However it was noticed that the immobilized parts of the body started moving and he could remember the movements again. This shows that the neurons in the brain can rearrange themselves and make a person healthy.