Refers to the specialization of function in each of the brain's hemispheres. A primary example is the contralateral control of the body, where the left hemisphere governs the right side and the right hemisphere governs the left. This specialization is particularly evident in language functions.

Lateralization

Refers to the thick band of neural fibers that connects the brain hemispheres to allow them to communicate with each other. 

Corpus Callosum

The cerebral cortex is the uneven outer surface of the brain, characterized by a distinctive pattern of raised bumps or folds (gyri) and depressions or grooves (sulci). It is associated with higher-level cognitive processes, including consciousness, thought, emotion, reasoning, language, and memory.

Cerebral Cortex

A fundamental principle of brain organization is that each cerebral hemisphere is primarily responsible for controlling the motor functions of the opposite, or contralateral, side of the body. For example, the right hemisphere directs movement on the left side of the body, while the left hemisphere directs movement on the right.

Contralateral Motor Control

Analyze the following clinical scenario and determine the likely location of the brain injury.

Neurological Case Analysis

The brain is composed of two distinct halves, known as the left and right hemispheres. Each hemisphere is responsible for controlling the opposite side of the body.

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Columbia University

New Mexico Highlands University

Refers to the largest part of the brain. It contains:

- Cerebral cortex
- Subcortical structures including: 
     - Thalamus
     - Hypothalamus
     - Pituitary gland
     - Limbic system

Forebrain

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Brain Hemispheres

Subcortical structures in the forebrain include;

- Thalamus
- Hypothalamus
- Pituitary gland
- Limbic system

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