Check Point Cerebral Lateralization and Functionality

Check Point

Cerebral Lateralization and Functionality

Cerebral lateralization is the process by which the two hemispheres of the brain specializes in certain functions. The four methods for studying cerebral lateralization are: brain damage, split brain studies, functional MRI and functional TCD.

The method for studying cerebral lateralization through brain damage allowed for us to gain an understanding of how the brain works and if, for example, the left hemisphere of the brain is damaged then this can affect the individual’s ability to form words, and this is a condition called non-fluent aphasia. Studying the cerebral lateralization through brain damage also allows us to understand that language is constructed and examined in the left hemisphere part of the brain.

The method for studying cerebral lateralization through split-brain studies allowed us to observe and understand that the brain is composed of a network of nerves that connects the right and left hemisphere of the brain together. This discovery revealed that one side of the body knows what the other side of the body is doing.

The method for studying cerebral lateralization through functional MRI is allowed us to observe and examine both sides of the brain using MRI scans and presenting sounds and pictures through those scans to produce visual reactions of the brain.

The method for studying cerebral lateralization through functional TCD allowed us to determine which side of the brain is functioning while the individual is being showed something and then questioned. The functional TCD works by attaching external electrodes next to the person’s ears and shows them a video. The person is then asked a series of questions about what they had just viewed and the electrodes measure, which side of the brain is controlling the function of viewing something and then regurgitating back what they had just saw.