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The test [[human brain]] is separated by a [[longitudinal fissure]], separating the [[brain]] into two distinct [[cerebral hemisphere]]s. Both sides of the brain are similar in appearance, and every structure in each hemisphere is mirrored on both sides, yet despite these gross similarities, the functions of each [[cerebral cortex | cortical]] hemisphere are somewhat different. Human [[neopallium | neocortex]]--the outer, visible portions of the brain--is the source of all [[cognition | cognitive]], [[sense | sensory]], [[language | linguistic]], voluntary movement, and [[attention | attentive]] processes. These higher-level functions--as opposed to [[reflex action | reflexes]], [[human position| posture maintenance]], etc.--that seem to preferentially exist in one half of the brain or the other. Deeper (subcortical) structures such as the [[basal ganglia]] and [[thalamus | thalami]] seem to play the same role in each half of the brain, regardless of their hemisphere.
It is important to note that--while functions are indeed lateralized--these lateralizations are trends and do not apply to every person in every case. Short of having undergone a [[hemispherectomy]] (the removal of an entire cerebral hemisphere) there are no "left-brained" or "right-brained" people.
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