By Olivia Guy-Evans, published Sept 15, 2021
by Saul Mcleod, PhD
Different parts of the cerebral cortex are involved in different functions, both cognitively and behaviorally.
The Brodmann areas are a way of mapping the cortex and its distinguished functions, pioneered by Korbinian Brodmann, from which the areas are named.
Through using Brodmann’s areas, the cortex of the brain can be divided into 52 areas which are numbered sequentially. These areas are distinguished by microscopic anatomy through the shapes and types of cells and their connections.
Despite controversy about how precise these areas are located, Brodmann’s areas are still widely used today. However, some areas have since been subdivided or are only present in nonhuman primates.
Korbinian Brodmann (1868-1918) was a German neurologist who published research on the cortical cytoarchitectonics in many species, including humans. This publication contained what was believed to be the first map of the cerebral cortex based on variations in neural structure.
Brodmann (1909) made a detailed study of the cortex, observing the way its layers, tissues, neurons, and other cells varied in structure and size. He identified and numbered different areas of the brains of many mammals, ending some of the considerable confusion in naming parts of the cortex that existed at the time.
Before Brodmann’s research, some areas of the brain were beginning to be identified, such as Broca and Wernicke’s areas. These areas were identified after damage was discovered in these areas, after language deficits were noticed in these individuals.
Brodmann’s mapping of the brain takes this further and details all the functional areas of the cortex based on gross anatomical features and cortical micro-structures. Brodmann’s areas have been widely discussed, debated, and refined throughout the years and remain the most widely known and most frequently used mapping of the cortex.
The primary somatosensory cortex is responsible for processing sensations of the body. Receptors throughout the body pick up these sensations, responsible for detecting touch, pain, temperature, and localization of touch.
This region is also important for skilled and coordinated movements as well as motor learning.
The primary motor cortex is essential for initiating motor movements, as well as coordinating these movements. Each area of the motor cortex corresponds precisely to specific body parts on the contralateral side of the body.
E.g., in order to move the left leg, part of the primary motor cortex in the right hemisphere is stimulated.
The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is located in the frontal lobe and is essential for ‘higher’ cognitive functions such as working memory, planning, abstract reasoning, motor planning and organization.
Due to its importance for many executive functions, this area has multiple connections between cortical and subcortical areas of the brain.
The primary visual cortex, located in the occipital lobes, is a structure essential to the processing of visual stimuli.
This area is the most widely studied visual area of the brain and is highly specialized for the processing of static and moving objects, as well as being good at recognizing patterns.
The middle temporal gyrus is one of the main gyri (ridge) on the surface of the temporal lobes.
This area is believed to be involved in functions such as sound recognition and semantic retrieval, as well as semantic memory, language processing, and processing of verbal mental arithmetic.
The superior temporal gyrus is also located within the temporal lobes and has a role in both verbal and non-verbal communication.
This area has been found to be important for contributing to processing of both object and space related information, and processing non-verbal social cues.
As well as this, this area is involved in auditory short-term memory and the production of speech. Wernicke’s area is also considered to be located in this area, a region associated with language comprehension and the production of language.
The cingulate gyrus is a large arched fold above the corpus callosum. It is an important part of the limbic system, helping to regulate emotions and pain.
This gyrus is believed to directly drive the body’s conscious response to unpleasant experiences, as well as being involved in fear and avoidance of negative stimuli. As the cingulate gyrus learns to avoid negative consequences, it also plays a role in memory.
Located within the frontal lobes, Broca’s area is an essential region for the production of language. This area is able to put together the elements of language, select information from a variety of sources and help to produce information about the motor movements required for spoken and written language.
Similarly, Broca’s area can help control mechanisms for syntactic processing and construct complex sentences and speech patterns.
Olivia Guy-Evans obtained her undergraduate degree in Educational Psychology at Edge Hill University in 2015. She then received her master’s degree in Psychology of Education from the University of Bristol in 2019. Olivia has been working as a support worker for adults with learning disabilities in Bristol for the last four years.
Brodmann K. 1909. Vergleichende Lokalisationslehre der Grobhirnrinde in ihren Prinzipien dargestellt auf Grund des Zellenbaues. Leipzig: J.A. Barth
Carter, R. (2019). The Human Brain Book: An Illustrated Guide to its Structure, Function, and Disorders (3rd ed). DK.
Ferng, A. (2021, May 31). Brodmann areas. Kenhub. https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/brodmann-areas
Hacking, C. Gaillard et al., (n.d.). Brodmann areas. Radiopaedia. Retrieved August 6, 2021, from: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/brodmann-areas?lang=gb
Home | About Us | Privacy Policy | Advertise | Contact Us
Simply Psychology's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
© Simply Scholar Ltd - All rights reserved