The Growth and Development of the Frontal Lobe Paper Example

In the discussion of the brain frontal lobe, the story of Phineas Gage is of importance in the analysis of the functions and effects of damage to the brain's frontal lobe. Phineas Gage was an American railroad construction foreman who used to inspect projects for a railroad construction company. On time while in his line of work, Gage was inspecting some dynamite that was placed in a hole in order to blast a rock. The rod that was used in tamping the sand to cover the blasting hole where the dynamite had been placed was blasted by the dynamite through Gage's frontal lobe from underneath the jaw with his mouth slightly open. The rod went through his skull and landed a few metres away and it is believed to have destroyed his frontal lobe bringing changes to his personality.

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The case of Gage demonstrates the functions of the frontal lobe as well as the effects of its damage. Before the incident, reports describe gauge as hardworking, responsible, efficient and capable. This was during the normal operation of the frontal lobe which is located at the forehead. The main functions of the frontal lobe are to control speech and language production, understanding and reacting to feelings, forming of personality, reward-seeking behavior, as well as, managing attention including selective attention and motivation. Gage was able to coordinate the above functions when his frontal lobe was active and whole.

Once the frontal lobe was damaged, Gage was unable to stick to simple plans and schedules, was aggressive in speech and demeanour, and had little impulse control and poor body coordination. Although these effects were recorded with Gage, the damage of the frontal lobe may show different effects on different people. For example, a change in the size and capacity of the brain frontal lobe that may be caused by brain development from infancy into teenage and later into adulthood may bring changes in the functions of the lobe. Within the teenage period or at infancy, the frontal lobe is not fully developed hence the short-term memory is not as effective. For example, when a toddler is sent to the store to buy groceries, an attempt by the child to memorize what he or she has been sent is difficult. Some may even reach the store while they have forgotten what they were sent for.

Changes in the growth and development of the frontal lobe may affect the personality of the individual as characterized by how they react to different situations. A child may be impulsive when faced with a situation that requires reasoning and critical thinking. This may prompt them to react without thinking. The frontal lobe plays an active role in the personality of an individual.

References

Seunggu Han, M. (2018). Frontal lobe: Functions, structure, and damage. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318139.php(2018). Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285164347_The_Development_of_the_Frontal_Lobes_in_Infancy_and_Childhood_Asymmetry_and_the_Nature_of_Temperament_and_Affect