Hemispheric Lateralisation

• (AO1) Define hemispheric lateralisation

  Two halves of the brain function differently and that each hemisphere has a specific functions.
• (AO1) What is the left side and what is the right?

  Left side = language

  Right side = visual motor tasks
• (AO1) How are they connected?

  By nerve fibres called corpus callosum, which allows communication between them.
• (AO1) Define split-brain patients

  They are individuals who have had surgery where their corpus callosum has been cut. This is usually a treatment for people with severe epilepsy.
• (AO1) Describe the case study between Joe and Dr Michael Gazzangia

  When Joe focuses on a point (middle of screen), everythign to the right of the dot goes to his left brain (hemisphere for language/speech)

  
  

  He can name words/pictures if they appear on the right side of the dot.

  
  

  When on the left side of the dot, information goes to his disconnected right brain (visual/motor tasks). Joe cant name it but can draw it unconsciously.

  
  

  The left hemisphere controls the right body side, and the right hemisphere controls the left body side.
• (AO1) Define plasticity

  The brain's ability to change and adapt because of new experiences.
• (AO1) Link plasticity to age

  When the brain is maturing, recovery from trauma is more likely
• (AO1) Define neural reorganisation

  Transfer of functions to undamaged areas
• (AO1) Define neural regeneration

  Growth of new neurons and/or connections to compensate for damaged areas
• (AO1) Define neural unmasking

  Dormant synapse opens connections to compensate for a damaged area of the brain