The Analysis of Autism Facilitates Neuroanatomical Investigations :: Biology Essays Research Papers

The Analysis of Autism Facilitates Neuroanatomical Investigations Studying the functions of the various structures of the intelligence is best carried out through analysis of brain defects. For example, individuals with autism exhibit special behaviors that argon not considered normal. Assuming that behavior originates from the brain, then it becomes clear that in order to discover the causes of the abnormal behavior a comparison essential be made between and healthy brain and the brain of an sick person. By finding structural differences such as size and composition, the subprogram that the structures play in the behavior of the sick bathroom be inferred epoch also investigating the normal functions of brain structures. There are some(prenominal) differences between a healthy brain and the brain of an autistic person. Dr. Joseph Piven from the University of Iowa observe a size difference . In the autistic brain, the cerebellum is larger and the principal sum callosum is s maller. Another study showed that the amygdala and the hippocampus are different in an autistic brain. In an autistic these structures have densely packed neurons and the neurons are smaller than those in a healthy brain. Also, in the cerebellum there is a noticeable reduction in the number of Purkinje cells. Structure and function can not be separated from unity another and changes in one indicate alterations in the other. Because an autistic person has brain defects, a bonny assumption is made that changes in structure will alter the behavior. An autistic person is characterized by having impaired social interaction, difficulty with communication both(prenominal) verbal and nonverbal, trouble with imagination, and limited activities and interests. By analyzing the abnormal behaviors of the autistic person, the roles that the cerebellum, the corpus callosum, the amygdala, and the hippocampus play in the disease can be inferred. The cerebellum is usually associated with motor m ovements. Concerning this topic it is interesting to note the research of Dr. Eric Courchesne. He piece that the VI and VII lobes of the cerebellum were smaller in autistics than those of a normal brain. This narrow is called hypoplasia. The reverse condition, which is what Piven encountered, is called hyperplasia. Courchesne linked the cerebellum with attention shifting . He proposed that the autistic takes interminable time to change the focus of his attention. He believed that this condition was caused by wishing of development of the cerebellum in utero caused by perhaps oxygen deprivation, infection, toxic exposure, or genetically.