Localization theory

Localization theory is a term used in brain research and describes attempts to determine the function of locally delimited parts of the brain and thus to ascribe a 'functional blueprint' to the brain. Representations of the functional areas of the cerebral cortex are typical . At the cellular level, the grandmother neurons and mirror neurons belong to localization theory.

The individual localization theories are based on the localization (neurology) , i.e. the specific functional restriction in the case of local damage, as well as the anatomy of the brain and the functional structure possible as a result. The Phrenology structured topologically , so also locally.

Anatomical drawing from the 14th century

The localization of mental functions in the brain took place in ancient times. So put Hippocrates the brain as an organ of thought, perception and judgment of good and evil. An early localization of cognitive functions (such as imagination, judgment and memory) on specific brain regions can be found in the 14th century at the Würzburg physicians and clergy Berthold Blumentrost , in which the memory ( memoria ) in the rear brain region is assumed on the basis of an anatomical drawing .

In contrast to localization theory, there was the equipotential theory . According to her, all brain regions were involved in all mental functions. This thesis was largely invalidated by Korbinian Brodmann's description of the bark fields .

The network structure is attracting increasing attention. Function is also realized here in the connectome , i.e. not solely through local areas.

See also

• History of brain research
• Localization (neurology)
• phrenology

literature

• Edwin Clarke, Kenneth Dewhurst: The Functions of the Brain. Theories of localization from ancient times to the present . Heinz Moos, Munich 1973, ISBN 3-7879-0066-7 .
• Michael Hagner : Localization Theories. In: Werner E. Gerabek , Bernhard D. Haage, Gundolf Keil , Wolfgang Wegner (eds.): Enzyklopädie Medizingeschichte. De Gruyter, Berlin / New York 2005, ISBN 3-11-015714-4 , p. 862 f.

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Erhard Oeser : History of brain research. From antiquity to the present. 2nd Edition; Wissenschaftliche Buchgesellschaft, Darmstadt 2010, ISBN 978-3-534-23216-1 , pp. 58-79.
2. ↑ Michael Hagner: Theories of localization. 2005, p. 862.
3. ↑ Research report 2008 , p. 10.
4. ^ Gundolf Keil : Blumentrost, Berthold. In: Burghart Wachinger et al. (Hrsg.): The German literature of the Middle Ages. Author Lexicon . 2nd, completely revised edition, volume 1: 'A solis ortus cardine' - Colmar Dominican chronicler. De Gruyter, Berlin / New York 1978, ISBN 3-11-007264-5 , Sp. 904-906.
5. ↑ Walther Sudhoff: The doctrine of the brain ventricles in textual and graphic tradition of antiquity and the Middle Ages. In: Sudhoff's archive. Volume 7, 1914, pp. 149-205, especially p. 190 (plate 7).