Hemispheric Differences

Module 8: The Brain

Hemispheric Differences

• “Left-brained” and “right-brained” debunked

• Brain is divided into two hemispheres but works as a single entity.

• Both sides continually communicate via the corpus callosum, except in those with split brains.

Hemispheric Differences:

Language and Spatial Abilities

Module 8: The Brain

The Brain’s Left Hemisphere

• For most people, language functions are in the left hemisphere.

• For a small percentage of people, language functions are in the right hemisphere.

Broca’s Area

• Located in the frontal lobe and usually in the left hemisphere

• Responsible for the muscle movements of speech

• If damaged the person can form the ideas but cannot express them as speech (stroke victims)

PET Scan of Broca’s Area

Wernicke’s Area

• Located in the temporal lobe• Involved in language comprehension

and expression; our ability to understand what is said to us

• Usually in the left temporal lobe

PET Scan of Wernicke’s Area

The Brain’s Right Hemisphere

• Houses the brain’s spatial abilities• Our spatial ability allows us to perceive

or organize things in a given space, judge distance, etc.

• Helps in making connections between words

Brain Plasticity

Module 8: The Brain

Plasticity

• The ability of the brain tissue to take on new functions

• Greatest in childhood• Important if parts of the brain are

damaged or destroyed

Split brain patients

• Video• Cut corpse callosum

hemispherectomy• Video – united streaming

The End

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