The Brodmann area number that corresponds to the primary visual cortex is?

RRB Nsg. Superintendent 21 July 2019 (shift 1st)

Applied Physiology

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent 21 July 2019 (shift 1st)

Explanation

Brodmann area 17 is the designated number for the primary visual cortex (V1).
This area is located in the occipital lobe and is the first cortical region to receive and process visual information from the eyes.
It is also known as the striate cortex due to its layered appearance.
Its main function is the initial processing of visual stimuli, including detection of lines, orientation, and movement.

Option A: Brodmann area 3 is part of the primary somatosensory cortex, which processes touch and other bodily sensations, not vision.
Option C: Brodmann area 41 is the primary auditory cortex, responsible for processing sound information, not visual information.
Option D: Brodmann area 4 is the primary motor cortex, which controls voluntary muscle movements, not sensory processing like vision.

Visual 1: Diagram - A lateral and medial view of the human brain with the major Brodmann areas labeled, highlighting areas 4, 3-1-2, 17, and 41/42 to show their respective locations in the frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes.
Visual 2: Flowchart - A simple flowchart showing the visual pathway: Retina -> Optic Nerve -> Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (Thalamus) -> Primary Visual Cortex (Area 17).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of Brodmann areas and their corresponding cortical functions as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding Brodmann areas is crucial for localizing neurological lesions. Damage to area 17 can result in cortical blindness, where the eyes are functional but the brain cannot process the visual information.
A nurse assessing a patient with a stroke or head injury can use knowledge of these areas to anticipate deficits. For example, a patient with an occipital lobe stroke is at high risk for visual disturbances.
What if? If a patient had a lesion in Brodmann area 4 instead of 17, the nurse would expect to see motor deficits like contralateral hemiparesis (weakness on one side of the body), not blindness.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'Brodmann area' and 'primary visual cortex'.
This is a factual recall question that requires knowledge of basic neuroanatomy.
Recall or deduce the location of the primary visual cortex. Vision is processed in the occipital lobe at the back of the brain.
Associate the specific Brodmann number with the primary visual cortex. Area 17 is the correct number.
Mentally review the functions of the other options to confirm they are incorrect (Area 3 - somatosensory, Area 41 - auditory, Area 4 - motor).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification of Brodmann areas and their corresponding cortical functions.
Stem keywords: Brodmann area, primary visual cortex
Lead-in keywords: corresponds to
Negative lead-in flag: false

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