lobe function

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable or uncountabletechnicalbiologymedical

   The normal job or activity carried out by a rounded section of an organ, especially a part of the brain.

   Grammar: Can be countable when talking about one specific lobe: the lobe function of the frontal lobe. More often uncountable: studies of lobe function.

   Patterns

   • the lobe function of something
   • lobe function in the brain
   • study/measure lobe function

   Damage to the frontal area can change lobe function and affect decision-making.

   Researchers used imaging to compare lobe function in healthy adults and patients.

   The textbook explains the lobe function of each major part of the brain.

2. 2noununcountabletechnicalbiology

   The role played by a rounded part of a leaf, gland, or other organ in keeping the whole structure working.

   Grammar: Used in scientific writing without an article: lobe function in the liver. Not usually plural.

   Patterns

   • lobe function in something
   • impair/affect lobe function

   The article describes lobe function in the thyroid gland.

   Certain diseases can reduce lobe function in the lungs.

Common combinations

frontal lobe function

Frontal lobe function is linked to planning and self-control.

lobe function test

The doctor ordered a lobe function test to check for damage.

impair lobe function

Long-term alcohol use can impair lobe function.

lobe function declines

Lobe function often declines slowly with age.

Synonyms and how they differ

cerebral function

A broader term for any activity of the brain, not limited to one lobe.

organ function

More general; it can refer to any organ, while lobe function refers specifically to a lobe.

Word family

lobe noun

A rounded section of an organ or leaf.

lobar adjective

Relating to a lobe, as in lobar pneumonia.

function noun

The purpose or normal action of something.

Commonly confused: lobe function or love function?

Practice

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