AP Psych Notes (Split Brain)

Lateralization

The distinct functions of the left and right hemisphere of the brain

ex:SOME functions (speech/language=left hemisphere) are only performed by one hemisphere (and injury can destroy them)

People to Know: Roger Sperry and Michael Gazzaniga studied split Brain patetions and determined that hemispheres have distinct

Corpus Callosum

band of neural fibers that connects the two brain hemispheres together and allows them to communicate

Possible to survive with a split brain but may have difficulty integrating vision speech and motor skills

Split Brain

condition occurs when the two brain hemispheres are not attached by the corpus callosum

example of lesioning (destroying specific parts of the brain in order to diminish/eliminate a behavior)

Brain Plasticity

The brain capacity for modification as evident reorganization following even late into adulthood

SOME neural tissue can reorganize (NOT regenerate) as the brain repairs itself after damage

older you are the longer it takes to reorganize

ex:blindness and deafness