15.

How are the left and right hemispheres of the brain specialized for
the performance of different tasks?



RIGHT HEMISPHERE
Controls the left side of the body and that in most people, is specialized for visual-spatial
perception and for interpreting nonverbal behavior such as gestures and facial expressions. It
handles information in a more all-at-once way, looking at whole pattern rather than its parts. It
handles information about forms, movements, or relations in space, rather than verbal
information. It is more involved in esthetic perception or creation, dancing, recognition of faces
and so forth. It is more active in the recognition and expression of emotion. It responds to the
emotional message conveyed by anothers tone of voice.

LEFT HEMISPHERE
Controls the right side of the body, coordinates complex movements and in 95% of
people control the production of speech and written. It handles most of the language functions,
including speaking, writing, reading and understanding the spoken word. It is also specialized for
mathematical abilities, particularly calculation and it processes information in an analytical and
sequential or step by step manner.

16. What evidence supports the existence of hemispheric specialization?


SPLIT BRAIN
Split brains have provided insight into only the functional specializations of the left and
right sides, but also the organization within each hemisphere. When the corpus callosum was not
cut along its entire length, the relative contributions of its different ends to transfer of different
kinds of information could be explored.
The reaction of the patient, who had enough right hemisphere language capability to
comprehend words flashed in the left visual field. His operation was done in two parts, with the
back half of the corpus callosum cut first. He was tested following the first operation. Since the
visual cortex occupies the back of the brain, the cut rear half of the corpus callosum prevented
any direct transfer of visual information. The left brain, then, was unable to see the word
knight.
Fascinatingly, though, the left brain was nevertheless able to visualize what the right
brain was thinking about. Evidently, more meaningful information could be transferred,
through the axons in the front half of the corpus callosum connecting the two front halves of the
brain. A phenomenon that seems to be related to the left hemispheres verbal talents is its
tendency to conduct an internal narrative that makes sense out of the world.
When the person stares at the dot on the screen images briefly presented on one side of
the dot of the screen goes to the right side of the brain. The right side of the brain can find the
spoon and direct the left hand to touch it; but because the language areas on the left side of the
brain did not see it, the person is not able to say what it is.

Corpus Callosum
A fiber of axons that transmits information between the two cerebral hemispheres of the
brain.

17. Why is it possible to perform more than one activity at once, such as
listening to the radio while driving?

LANGUAGE AREAS OF THE BRAIN
Have you ever tried to write note while you were talking to someone? You can probably
write and talk at the same time, because each of these language functions uses different areas of
association cortex. However stop reading for a moment, and try writing one word with your left
hand and a different word with your right hand. If you had trouble, it is partly because you asked
the same language area of your brain to do two things at once.

Association Cortex
The parts of the cerebral cortex that integrate sensory and motor information and perform
complex cognitive tasks.
Parts of the cortex that do not directly receive specific sensory information or control
specific movements are referred to as association cortex. The term association describes these
areas as well, because they receive input that combines sensory and motor information. For
instance, these areas associate words with images. Association cortex appears in all of the lobes
and forms a large part of the cerebral cortex in humans. For these reason, damage to association
areas can create serious problems in a wide range of mental abilities.

18. How are PET scans and other similar equipment or procedures used
to study the activity of the brain?

MEDICAL POLYGRAPH
Used in experimental research of physiological responses to psychologically different
stimuli.
A polygraph (popularly referred to as a lie detector) measures and records several
physiological indices such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and skin conductivity while the
subject is asked and answers a series of questions. The belief underpinning the use of the
polygraph is that deceptive answers will produce physiological responses that can be
differentiated from those associated with non-deceptive answers.
PET SCAN (POSITRON-EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY)
Used to find out which parts of the brain are normally active during specific activities and
emotion.
A computerized diagnostic technique that uses radioactive substances to examine
structures of the body. When used to assess the brain, it produces a three-dimensional image that
reflects the metabolic and chemical activity of the brain.
A method for analyzing biochemical activity in the brain, using injections of glucose like
substance containing a radioactive element. Designed to diagnose abnormalities and in the past
few years. Used to record biochemical changes in the brain as they are happening. Also used to
study the physiological correlates of intelligence.

ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM (EEG)
A recording of neural activity detected by electrodes.
The process of recording brain wave activity. Electrodes are attached to various areas of
the patient's head with collodion (an ether-based glue). During the procedure the patient remains
quiet, with eyes closed, and refrains from talking or moving. In certain cases prescribed
activities, especially hyperventilation, may be requested. The test is used to diagnose seizure
disorders, brainstem disorders, focal lesions, and impaired consciousness. During neurosurgery
the electrodes can be applied directly to the surface of the brain (intracranial
electroencephalography) or placed within the brain tissue (depth electroencephalography) to
detect lesions or tumors.

Collodion
An ether-based glue. It is dried with compressed air. It has a strong odor and the
compressed air will feel cold on the scalp.

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)
A method for studying body and brain tissue, using magnetic fields and special radio
receivers.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio
wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. In many cases MRI gives
different information about structures in the body than can be seen with an X-ray, ultrasound,
or computed tomography (CT) scan. MRI also may show problems that cannot be seen with
other imaging methods.
For an MRI test, the area of the body being studied is placed inside a special machine that
contains a strong magnet. Pictures from an MRI scan are digital images that can be saved and
stored on a computer for more study. The images also can be reviewed remotely, such as in a
clinic or an operating room. In some cases, contrast material may be used during the MRI scan to
show certain structures more clearly.



GROUP 5
Marc Oliver Orpilla
Jezelle Andrea Pacardo
Melanie Panes
Sheena Jane Patane
Federic Augusto Plana
Ma. Mae Fleur Porras
Mishille Rea