Transcript

The brain contains a large number of structures or areas that have specialist functions – it has a functional anatomy. Although the functional anatomy is very complex, there are well defined correlations between specific types of thinking and behaviour and specific structures of the brain.
In this section you can explore a limited selection of these structures. Later in the activity, you will be able to explore how these and other areas may be involved in autism

Click on the buttons below, to view brain areas.

limbic system:

The limbic system is a loosely defined set of structures on the inner ring of the cortex (the term "limbic" comes from the Latin word ‘limbus’, meaning "border" or "edge"). The limbic system includes the amygdala, the cingulate cortex, the thalamus, the hippocampus, and, according to some neuroscientists, the orbitofrontal cortex. It is involved in memory, decision making, and emotion and has outputs at the level of the whole body through its influence on hormones and the nervous system.

amygdala:

The amygdala is part of the limbic system. It governs the emotional response to stimuli, for example a face expressing anger or fear.

cingulate gyrus:

The cingulate gyrus is part of the limbic system. It coordinates sensory input with emotions and is involved in regulating attention.

orbitofrontal cortex:

The orbitofrontal cortex is sometimes thought of as being part of the limbic system. It is deeply involved in decision making. Damage to this part of the cortex leaves a person with their ability to reason intact but with an inability to follow through into appropriate action.

fusiform gyrus:

The fusiform gyrus is a key contributor to visual perception. Its capabilities are still to be understood fully but it is well established that it has a central role in processing human faces. Accidental damage to this area is likely to lead to an inability to recognise faces, even of close family and friends. This condition is known as prosopagnosia.

cerebellum:

Traditionally, the cerebellum, the structure that lies under the back of the cortex, has been associated with coordination and motor control. However, recent studies have shown that its functions are wider – it also appears to influence attention and the processing of sensory stimuli.

thalamus:

The thalamus is part of the limbic system. It acts as the brain’s relay station, processing stimuli and passing them on to cortical structures. The so called thalamo-cortical circuits are central to the direction of attention and arousal. Damage to the thalamus can lead to an inability to respond to stimuli and even to a comatose state.

hippocampus:

The hippocampus is a part of the limbic system and has a central role in long term memory, learning and navigation skills. In Alzheimer’s disease, degradation of the hippocampus results in loss of memory and inability to navigate