Lateralization of brain function: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 17:21, 11 March 2006

Revision as of 23:34, 1 April 2006

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The [[human brain]] is separated by a [[longitudinal fissure]], separating the [[brain]] into two distinct [[cerebral hemisphere]]s. The two sides of the brain are similar in appearance, and every structure in each hemisphere is mirrored on the other side, yet despite these gross similarities, the functions of each [[cerebral cortex | cortical]] hemisphere are 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 on each side 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.