Journal

The Japanese journal of neuropsychology

[Vol.27 No.3 contents]
Japanese/English

Full Text of this Article
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ArticleTitle Broca's area in contemporary neuropsychology -150 years after the first autopsied case report by Paul Broca (1861)-
Language J
AuthorList Toshihiko Hamanaka
Affiliation Shiseikai-Yagoto Hospital
Publication Japanese Journal of Neuropsychology: 27 (3), 180-188, 2011
Received
Accepted
Abstract On the occasion of this year (2011) marking 150 years after the first autopsied case report of aphasia by Paul Broca ("aphé mie": 1861), the historical backgrounds of his contribution as well as the changing conceptions concerning "Broca's area", "Broca's aphasia" and the cerebral localization in general through the following periods into the 20th century are outlined. A review of the relevant reseach trends in contemporary neuropsychology and neurosciences (cytoarchitectonics & neurotransmitter-receptors; phylogenetic and ontogenetic developments of communication; neurolinguistic aspects; cognitive functions other than language) suggests probable neuropsychological functionings of "Broca's area" not as one unitary-homogeneous cerebral region, but as one participating in plural neurocognitive networks.
Keywords Paul Broca, Broca's area, Broca's aphasia, neuropsychology in history and today

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