PSC 101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Lateralization Of Brain Function, Connectionism, Angular Gyrus
Document Summary
Effects are more stronger with articulation of speech rather than comprehension. A mutation of the foxp2 gene delays learning to speak. In one family (ke), it appears that this disorder is caused by a mutation to the. Vocal communication/language = both genetic factors (development of brain) and environment (learning) contributes to language. Verbal dyspraxia = an impaired ability to perform the coordinated movements that are required for speech (sounding out words w/ mouth, etc. ) Language development depends on experience during a sensitive period. Highlighted yellow regions in brain scan image = involved in motor functions (pathways involved in muscle movements & etc) there are brain differences in these regions. Foxp2 = a transcriptional factor, which controls the expression of other genes. Every single individual that was affected by verbal dyspraxia, all had mutations. Caudate nucleus and inferior cerebellum important in motor functions; Foxp2 gene is very different in humans than in apes, suggesting rapid evolution of this gene.
