Brain Hemispheres, Lateralization, and Split-Brain Concepts (Video Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms about brain hemispheres, lateralization, split-brain experiments, visual field processing, and related concepts from the lecture notes.

Corpus Callosum

A thick bundle of neural fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres and enables interhemispheric communication.

Lateralization

The idea that certain cognitive processes or behaviors are more dominant in one hemisphere than the other.

Split Brain

A condition in which the corpus callosum is severed (often to treat severe epilepsy), causing the two hemispheres to operate with limited communication.

Left Hemisphere

The brain hemisphere typically associated with language, speech, and verbal processing.

Right Hemisphere

The brain hemisphere typically associated with spatial perception, mental rotation, and nonverbal processing.

Contralateral Control

Each hemisphere governs the opposite side of the body (left hemisphere → right side; right hemisphere → left side).

Visual Fields (General)

Input from each eye is divided into left and right visual fields, with information typically processed by the opposite hemisphere; this mapping is key in split-brain studies.

Left Visual Field

The portion of the visual field processed by the right hemisphere (associated with perception/spatial processing).

Right Visual Field

The portion of the visual field processed by the left hemisphere (associated with language/speech processing).

Mental Rotation

The ability to rotate 2D/3D objects mentally; primarily associated with right-hemisphere processing.

Spatial Perception

Right-hemisphere function involving interpretation of spatial relationships and orientation.

Language/Speech (Left Hemisphere)

Left hemisphere specialization for language production and comprehension.