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Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System
Chapter 11, Problem 16

a. Make a rough drawing of the lateral aspect of the left cerebral hemisphere. b. You may be thinking, 'But I just can't draw!' So, name the hemisphere involved with most people's ability to draw. c. On your drawing, locate the following areas and provide the major function of each: primary motor cortex, premotor cortex, somatosensory association cortex, primary somatosensory cortex, visual and auditory areas, prefrontal cortex, Wernicke's and Broca's areas.

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Start by sketching an oval shape to represent the lateral aspect of the left cerebral hemisphere. This will serve as the base for locating different brain areas.
The left hemisphere is typically associated with logical reasoning, language, and analytical tasks, which includes abilities like drawing for most people.
Identify and mark the primary motor cortex, located in the precentral gyrus of the frontal lobe. Its major function is to control voluntary movements.
Locate the premotor cortex, situated just anterior to the primary motor cortex. It is involved in planning and coordinating movements.
Mark the primary somatosensory cortex, found in the postcentral gyrus of the parietal lobe. It processes sensory information from the body.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Cerebral Hemispheres

The brain is divided into two hemispheres, the left and right, each responsible for different functions. The left hemisphere is typically associated with logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and language skills, while the right hemisphere is linked to creativity, spatial awareness, and artistic abilities. Understanding the roles of these hemispheres is crucial for tasks involving drawing and artistic expression.
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Cortical Areas and Their Functions

The cerebral cortex is divided into various areas, each with specific functions. For instance, the primary motor cortex controls voluntary movements, the primary somatosensory cortex processes sensory information, and Wernicke's area is involved in language comprehension, while Broca's area is crucial for speech production. Identifying these areas and their functions is essential for understanding how different brain regions contribute to behavior and skills.
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Functional Areas of the Cerebral Cortex

Neuroanatomy and Drawing Skills

Drawing skills are often linked to the right hemisphere, which is involved in visual-spatial processing and creativity. However, the left hemisphere also plays a role in the technical aspects of drawing, such as understanding proportions and perspective. Acknowledging the interplay between both hemispheres can enhance comprehension of how individuals develop their drawing abilities and the neurological basis behind artistic skills.
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