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Let’s start with some basic brain structure:
Hemispheres The brain has two halves. If you place a finger between your eyes and draw an imaginary line up through your forehead, across the top of your skull, and down to the nape of your neck, you’ll trace a rough division of the two halves of your brain. The halves are called hemispheres . Each hemisphere has four exterior lobes which generally function as follows:
Frontal Lobes The lobes at the front of the brain are called the frontal lobes . They are the largest lobes. Behind those is the prefrontal cortex which is key to reasoning, problem solving, making decisions, and coordinating speech. When you’re thinking about the sequence of a math formula, or resisting the impulse to grab that donut out of your friend’s hand, your frontal lobe is at work. Quick! What’s 21 + 8? Someone with a prefrontal cortex injury or disease would find this very difficult – maybe even impossible to do. People with prefrontal cortex injuries or diseases may also be impulsive and have problems controlling their behavior. For successful learning, it’s very, very important to protect your prefrontal cortex from injury. Temporal Lobes Above your ears lay the temporal lobes . They process what you hear , like speech and music. They are also involved in forming long term memories. Parietal Lobes The parietal lobes are on the top of your exterior brain. They are involved in spatial orientation and sensory integration. The parietal lobe is constantly working to move the parts of your body where you want them to go. When you’re shooting baskets, or reaching for a glass of milk, the parietal lobe is directing your body movements, telling it how hard to throw the ball, or exactly how far to reach for the glass, and how much effort it will take to lift it. It senses the distance and navigates the movements of your limbs. People who have sustained damage or disease to this area of the brain can find it very difficult to make even simple exact movements. Occipital Lobes The occipital lobes are on the back of the head. They are mostly involved with vision. Right now, your occipital lobes are actively processing the words you are reading on this page!
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THE 21st CENTURY STUDENT’S GUIDE TO STUDY SKILLS
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