The human brain is comprised of the left and right hemisphere and these are divided into two lobes. Within these four lobes, every aspect of human behavior, emotion and physicality processed; problem solving, reasoning, creativity, intelligence, hand-eye coordination, etc. Additionally, motor control and all sensory output occurs in various areas within these four lobes. By looking at each area of the human brain, scientists can gain a greater understanding of what parts of the brain are responsible for certain functions(Draper & Ponsford, 2008).
The True Account of Phineas Gage.
One day in 1848, Phineas Gage was working for the railroad, using a tamping iron to fill blasting holes with gunpowder. An accidental explosion occurred, sending the tamping iron through Gage's left cheek, left frontal lobe and exiting out the top of his head, and landing approximately 80 feet away (Crichton, 2001). Immediately after the accident, Gage was conscious and able to walk, but certainly not expected to survive this type of injury. Upon arrival to the local physician, John Martin Harlow, fragments of bone exposed in the open wound were removed and the opening at the top of his skull was closed with adhesive and a wet compress. No surgical treatment was ever performed, for the doctor had no idea what could be done to save Gage's life.
Although Gage received a traumatic brain injury, it seemed that he had experienced a full recovery. Shortly after the healing process, Gage's family reported noticeable changes in his personality after a checkup, Doctor Harlow also noted changes in Gage's mood and temperament.
In 1860, Gage died after suffering several days of severe convulsions. After his death, an autopsy was not possible; however, several years later, Harlow was given Gage's skull to study and examine. By Harlow examining the skull, as well as numerous other researchers, they were able to determine exactly what structures or areas of the brain were damaged (Ratiu & Talos, 2004).
