158 Health and medical texts
(pp. 30–1)
Naturally, other, more complex sectors of the cerebral cortex affect our
simultaneous grasp of spatial relationships. These sectors are adjacent to
the occipital, parietal, and temporal areas and constitute one of the mecha-
nisms of the “tertiary” cognitive part of the cortex (at this point it could be
termed the “gnostic” part). The function of the latter is to combine the
visual (occipital), tactile-motor (parietal), and auditory-vestibular (tempo-
ral) sections of the brain. These sections are the most complex formations
in the second block of the human brain. In the process of evolution they
were the last part of the brain to develop, and only in man did they acquire
any vigor. They are not even fully developed in the human infant but
mature gradually and become effective by ages four to seven. They are
extremely vulnerable and even a slight impairment disrupts their function.
Since they consist entirely of highly complex “associate” cells, many spe-
cialists term them “zones of convergence” for the visual, tactile-motor, and
auditory-vestibular parts of the brain.
It was precisely these “tertiary” sectors of the cortex that the bullet frag-
ment had destroyed in this patient’s brain. Hence, we must consider what
symptoms damage to parts of this sector of the cortex (either by shell or
bullet fragments or by hemorrhaging and inflammation) can produce.
The person’s visual capacity may remain relatively unimpaired. But if the
bullet passes through the fibers of the “optic radiation” and destroys part of
these, blind spots occur and an entire part (sometimes one-half) of the visual
field disintegrates. A person will also continue to perceive discrete objects
(since the “secondary” sectors of the visual cortex have remained intact), to
have tactile and auditory sensations, and to discern speech sounds.
Practical 14.3
Medical insurance is a modern reality that becomes a legal obligation in the case
of persons traveling to the United States and the Russian Federation. In both
countries, the visa process requires proof of the existence of appropriate medical
insurance in order for the visa to be issued. The following ST is made up of four
different sections taken from a typical short-term health insurance policy for
Russians traveling abroad. ST1 is the actual policy form; ST2 is a short statement
written by the insurance company for physicians; ST3 is a list of commonly asked
questions with answers; ST4 discusses what the insurance will cover in case of
different types of bodily harm.
1. A Russian visitor has come to your country, has fallen ill, and will require
medical attention. Translate ST1 with the following goal in mind: You have
been hired to explain to your health care professionals what the visitor’s
insurance will and will not cover.