Higher Cortical Function Quiz

See Occipital Lobe. Option E is correct because the occipital lobe, at the back of the brain, contains the primary visual cortex (V1). Visual information travels from the retina along the optic nerve and optic tract to the thalamus, the brain's relay station, specifically a part called the lateral geniculate nucleus. From there it passes to the primary visual cortex, where features of the image such as colour, size, distance and depth are assessed, and then on to other brain areas that interpret what is seen. Damage to the primary visual cortex produces cortical blindness, in which the eyes are healthy but the brain cannot process what they send, and a lesion on one side causes loss of vision in the opposite half of the visual field (a contralateral hemianopia). Seizures starting in the occipital lobe can cause visual hallucinations such as flashing lines or colours. Other lobes help with advanced visual tasks, but the occipital lobe is the primary processing area. A helpful memory aid is that seeing happens at the back of the head, furthest from the eyes.

• Location: the occipital lobe at the back of the brain holds the primary visual cortex.
• Pathway: the retina, optic nerve, optic tract and lateral geniculate nucleus lead to the visual cortex.
• Damage: a lesion causes cortical blindness or a contralateral hemianopia.