Split-Brain Functioning - History, Basic Anatomy And Brain Functioning, Methods Of Study, Anatomical Asymmetries, Handedness, Functional Asymmetries
hemispheres psychological functions behavioral
Split-brain functioning refers to how the two cerebral hemispheres of the brain are involved to different degrees in certain psychological and behavioral functions. In the normal brain the two hemispheres work together in a coordinated manner and these differences in functioning complement one another. The division of psychological and behavioral functions between the two cerebral hemispheres can be referred to as functional lateralization, asymmetry, or brain laterality.
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Before discussing split-brain functioning in detail, knowledge of some very basic brain anatomy is necessary. The brain is that part of the central nervous system which is encased within the skull. The brain is an incredibly complex organ made up of billions of cells that work together to support life. Although the brain is usually thought of as a single structure, it is actually divided into two …
The oldest approach to gathering information about asymmetry between the two hemispheres of the brain is observation of behavioral changes or impairments in individuals with a brain injury that is clearly confined to one hemisphere of the brain. Lesions or areas of injury can now be identified using various techniques that allow visualization of the living brain. These brain-imaging techniques all…
While reports of physical differences between the two halves of the brain had been reported intermittently since the late 1800s, these differences were generally considered relatively minor and too small to explain observed differences in functioning of the left and right hemispheres. In 1968, however, research was reported that found strong and clear anatomical differences between the two hemisph…
One of the most apparent asymmetries related to the human brain is hand use preference. Differences in abilities between the hands reflect asymmetries in the cerebral hemispheres' functions. Studies show that about 90% of people across cultures are right-handed, while non-human animals tend to be divided pretty evenly in terms of limb preference. The question of why human beings show an ove…
As stated earlier, an individual's handedness seems related to how certain functions are distributed between the left and right hemispheres, and while there are numerous exceptions to every general rule about the asymmetry of certain functions, there are some very commonly lateralized functions. The most obvious of these is language. In those who are right-handed, with very few exceptions, …
Much research is being carried out to assess the roles of genetic and environmental factors in the development of hemispheric asymmetry. Because of the difficulty or impossibility in manipulating either of these factors, and or in designing studies that can accurately separate their influence, there are no firm conclusions at this time. It seems safe to say that environmental and genetic factors i…
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