AP Psychology Module 1.4c: The Brain - Damage Response and Hemispheres

Vocabulary flashcards covering neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, hemispheric lateralization, the corpus callosum, and split-brain research from AP Psychology Module 1.4c.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by creating new connections or allowing other areas to take over certain functions.

Neurogenesis

The formation of new neurons.

Lateralization

The condition in which the two brain hemispheres have specialized functions.

Corpus callosum

The large band of neural fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres and allows them to communicate.

Split-brain

A condition that occurs when surgery separates the two hemispheres by cutting the connecting fibers, mainly the corpus callosum.

Left hemisphere

The cerebral hemisphere that controls the right side of the body and specializes in speech, language, reading, writing, arithmetic reasoning, and literal language interpretation.

Right hemisphere

The cerebral hemisphere that controls the left side of the body and specializes in interpreting meaning and context, recognizing patterns, making inferences, and understanding subtle meanings.

HE • ART experiment

An experiment testing split-brain patients where 'HE' presented in the left visual field was pointed to with the left hand, and 'ART' presented in the right visual field was reported verbally.

Left visual field

The visual field whose sensory information is transmitted directly to the right hemisphere of the brain.

Right visual field

The visual field whose sensory information is transmitted directly to the left hemisphere of the brain.

Left hemisphere interpreter

The mechanism by which the left hemisphere constructs explanations for behaviors or actions, even when unaware of their actual cause.