Hemispheric Differences

1. Hemispheric Differences Module 8: The Brain

2. 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.

3. Hemispheric Differences: Language and Spatial Abilities Module 8: The Brain

4. 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.

5. 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)

6. PET Scan of Broca’s Area

8. 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

10. PET Scan of Wernicke’s Area

11. 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

12. Brain Plasticity Module 8: The Brain

13. 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

14. Split brain patients • Video • Cut corpse callosum

17. hemispherectomy • Video – united streaming

18. The End

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