*Hemispheric Laterialisation And Split Brain Research Flashcards
What is localisation in the context of brain functions?
Some functions are governed by specific areas in the brain.
What is lateralisation in relation to the brain?
The brain has 2 separate hemispheres.
Where are the two main language centres located?
Both are in the left hemisphere.
What is Broca’s area and where is it located?
Broca’s area is in the left frontal lobe.
What is Wernicke’s area and where is it located?
Wernicke’s area is in the left temporal lobe.
What does it mean that language is lateralised?
Language is performed in one hemisphere.
What role does the right hemisphere play in language?
It contributes emotional context to what is being said.
What is the primary function of the left hemisphere?
The left hemisphere is the analyser.
What is the primary function of the right hemisphere?
The right hemisphere is the synthesizer.
Are many brain functions lateralised?
Many functions aren’t lateralised.
How are motor areas wired in the brain?
Motor areas are cross wired.
Which hemisphere controls the left side of the body?
The right hemisphere controls the left side of the body.
Which hemisphere controls the right side of the body?
The left hemisphere controls the right side of the body.
How does visual processing occur in relation to the hemispheres?
Vision is both opposite and same sided.
What connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain?
The corpus callosum.
What is a split-brain operation?
Severing the connection between the left and right hemispheres.
What was the primary purpose of the split-brain operation?
To reduce epilepsy.
What did Sperry’s research involve?
Studying how two separated hemispheres deal with speech and vision.
What happens when an image is shown to the right visual field?
The participant can describe what they had seen.
What happens when an image is shown to the left visual field?
The participant cannot describe it and may say there was ‘nothing there.’
What can participants do with objects shown to the left visual field?
Select a matching object out of sight using their left hand.
What does the left hand’s ability to select an object demonstrate?
It is linked to the right hemisphere.
What do participants do when shown a funny image to the left visual field?
They laugh but report seeing nothing or a flash of light.
What do Sperry’s findings suggest about brain functions?
Certain functions are lateralised.
