a.Sulcus centralis A.Foramen interventriculare b.Sulcus lateralis B.Fornix c.Sulcus precentralis C.Septum pellucidum d.Gyrus precentralis 2x D.Corpus callosum e.Sulcus frontalis superior E.N. opticus f.Sulcus frontalis inferior F.Infundibulum g.Gyrus frontalis superior 2x G.Sulcus cingulatus 2x h.Gyrus frontalis medius 2x H.Gyrus cingulatus 2x i.Gyrus frontalis inferior I.Precuneus j.Gyrus frontalis inferior pars orbitalis J.Cuneus k.Gyrus frontalis inferior pars triangularis K.Sulcus parieto-occipitalis l.Gyrus frontalis inferior pars opercularis L.Sulcus calcarines m.Sulcus postcentralis M.Gyrus lingualis n.Gyrus postcentralis 2x N.Isthmus gyri cinguli o.Sulcus infraparietalis O.Substantia nigra p.Lobulus parietalis superior P.Colliculus superior q.Lobulus parietalis inferior Q.Colliculus inferior r.Gyrus supramarginalis 3x R.Pedunculus cerebellaris superior s.Gyrus angularis 3x S.Vermis cerebelli 2x t.Sulcus temporalis superior T.Pons u.Sulcus temporalis inferior 2x U.Pyramis vermis v.Gyrus temporalis superior V.Area subcallosa w.Gyrus temporalis medius x.Gyrus temporalis inferior y.Incisura preoccipitalis z.Fissura horizontalis
Courtesy: Department of Anatomy, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
Luria's Model (1973) of Brain Function
The brain, like any other bodily organ, has many structures, each of which performs specific functions. It is tempting to think that one can isolate brain structures, and attribute to them the control of specific psychological functions, such as perception (visual, auditory, touch, taste, smell), emotion, thinking, motivation, memory, and others.
Luria suggested brain systems, made up of several structures working together are responsible for any psychological process. He proposed three functional units:
This unit is comprised of the ascending and descending reticular formation, some limbic structures (e.g. the hippocampus) and medial aspects of the forebrain. The first functional unit is responsible for cortical arousal and wakefulness. It's importance is obvious: without wakefulness one cannot carry out many of the psychological processes such as forming memories and thinking. We can only see and hear when we are awake.
The second functional unit comprises the cortical lobes at the back of the brain, i.e. the occipital lobe, the temporal lobe, and the parietal lobe. This unit is responsible for receiving, analysing, and storing information. Specifically,
The occipital lobe is responsible for receiving and processing visual information. For example the occipital lobe in the right hemisphere of the brain r
ecognizes objects and faces by sight. The occipital lobe in the left hemisphere is responsible for recognition of letters and for reading.The temporal lobe is responsible for the reception of auditory (hearing) inputs. For example, the right temporal lobe is responsible for musical appreciation, whilst the left hemisphere is responsible for the understanding of speech.
The parietal lobe receives sensory inputs from the skin and muscles. It is thus responsible for our ability to recognize objects by touch. Other functions of the occipital lobes, especially where it overlaps with the occipital and temporal lobe includes: orientation in space and time (right hemisphere), concept formation and understanding of mathematical concepts (left hemisphere).
This unit is comprised of the frontal lobe, and it is responsible for the programming, regulation, and verification of mental activity. It is thus responsible for the executive functions of the brain. The frontal lobe acts as the superstructure over the first and second functional unit, directing their activities so that they can be in line with one's set goals. It is the frontal lobe that keeps us focused on a goal for long periods of time, even in the face of obstacles.
The frontal lobe also has strong connections with the limbic structures (in the centre of the brain) which regulate our emotions.
Reference:
Luria, A.R. (1973). The Working Brain. Penguin.
Copyright © 2001, Dr. J.F.L.
Mureriwa. All rights reserved.
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