<p>The diagram is a somewhat simplistic representation of brain functions, but it is accurate. The diagram given shows the primary areas that complete the actions listed. However, the entire brain is connected and communicates with itself extensively, so it isn't like the occipital lobe is the only brain region active when you see something. </p>

<p>For example, when you see an object, it is first processed in the occipital lobe as this is where the primary visual cortex is located. However, after the actual image itself has been processed, signals are sent to other brain regions for further interpretation. So if you see an angry dog running at you, the signal will begin in your occiptal lobe to process the visual image itself, but signals will then be sent to the temporal lobe to create an emotional response and to the frontal lobe to begin defensive motor activity. </p>

<blockquote>
  <p>On one side I hear that the idea of single brain functions localized in specific brain areas is incorrect since everything is processed globally and on the other side I come up permanently with such kind of depictions of the brain</p>
</blockquote>

<p>While these two explanations may seem conflicting, they are both somewhat correct. The diagram shows where primary processing of each task takes place, but it takes global communication to accomplish many of the complex tasks carried out by the brain. If there is a disconnect between the occipital lobe and parts of the temporal lobe, you will still be able to see just fine but may not have an emotional reaction to what you see. Vision is technically intact, but the full visual experience is damaged.</p>

<p>Just remember that diagrams like the one shown show you primary processing locations, but signals are sent between many brain regions to accomplish the full range of tasks carried out by the brain.</p>

<p>For further reading on the topic, this website offers a longer but still easy to understand explanation of current findings in brain connectivity: <a href="https://www.livescience.com/40855-brain-connections-no-neuron-is-an-island.html" rel="noreferrer">https://www.livescience.com/40855-brain-connections-no-neuron-is-an-island.html</a></p>

<p>Reference:
Kolb, B. &amp; Whishaw, I. Q. (2009). <em>Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology: Sixth Edition</em>. New York: Worth Publishers</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-01-03T01:54:41.317Z
Nice answer. I think one should add that some areas of the brain are suspected to be less specialized than others: http://www.pnas.org/content/107/25/11163.full
got trolled too much this week
CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-01-02T23:04:34.593Z
2018-01-02T23:19:50.297Z
2018-01-02T23:19:50.297Z
Erin
<p>I'm not an expert in neuroscience but always read about information that seems conflicting to me. On one side I hear that the idea of single brain functions localized in specific brain areas is incorrect since everything is processed globally and on the other side I come up permanently with <a href="https://www.learningsuccessblog.com/infograph/brain-hierarchy?utm_source=dlvr.it&amp;utm_medium=fbgroup" rel="noreferrer">such kind of depictions of the brain</a></p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/62sj8.png" rel="noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/62sj8.png" alt="enter image description here"></a></p>

<p>Can someone tell me how far this is correct or incorrect? </p>

<neuroscience><brain><neuropsychology>
Is this brain map scientifically correct?
Mark
# Is this brain map scientifically correct?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2018-01-02)

I'm not an expert in neuroscience but always read about information that seems conflicting to me. On one side I hear that the idea of single brain functions localized in specific brain areas is incorrect since everything is processed globally and on the other side I come up permanently with [such kind of depictions of the brain](https://www.learningsuccessblog.com/infograph/brain-hierarchy?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=fbgroup)

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/62sj8.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/62sj8.png)

Can someone tell me how far this is correct or incorrect?

**Tags:** neuroscience, brain, neuropsychology


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2018-01-02. Score: 6

The diagram is a somewhat simplistic representation of brain functions, but it is accurate. The diagram given shows the primary areas that complete the actions listed. However, the entire brain is connected and communicates with itself extensively, so it isn't like the occipital lobe is the only brain region active when you see something.

For example, when you see an object, it is first processed in the occipital lobe as this is where the primary visual cortex is located. However, after the actual image itself has been processed, signals are sent to other brain regions for further interpretation. So if you see an angry dog running at you, the signal will begin in your occiptal lobe to process the visual image itself, but signals will then be sent to the temporal lobe to create an emotional response and to the frontal lobe to begin defensive motor activity.

> On one side I hear that the idea of single brain functions localized in specific brain areas is incorrect since everything is processed globally and on the other side I come up permanently with such kind of depictions of the brain

While these two explanations may seem conflicting, they are both somewhat correct. The diagram shows where primary processing of each task takes place, but it takes global communication to accomplish many of the complex tasks carried out by the brain. If there is a disconnect between the occipital lobe and parts of the temporal lobe, you will still be able to see just fine but may not have an emotional reaction to what you see. Vision is technically intact, but the full visual experience is damaged.

Just remember that diagrams like the one shown show you primary processing locations, but signals are sent between many brain regions to accomplish the full range of tasks carried out by the brain.

For further reading on the topic, this website offers a longer but still easy to understand explanation of current findings in brain connectivity: <https://www.livescience.com/40855-brain-connections-no-neuron-is-an-island.html>

Reference:
Kolb, B. & Whishaw, I. Q. (2009). *Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology: Sixth Edition*. New York: Worth Publishers

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: Nice answer. I think one should add that some areas of the brain are suspected to be less specialized than others: http://www.pnas.org/content/107/25/11163.full  

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