Brain Hemispheric Specialization

Hemispheric Differences in Functioning

• Lateralization: Specialization of function in specific brain areas.
• Information from the right ear goes to the left hemisphere; information from the left ear goes to the right hemisphere.

Left Hemisphere

• Primarily involved in language (speech, grammar).
• Comprehends syntax and grammar.
• Involved in singing the words of a song.

Right Hemisphere

• Dominates in processing nonverbal information.
• Responsible for spatial perception, visual recognition, and emotion.
• The fusiform face area (mainly in the right hemisphere) processes information about people's faces.
• Expert at recognizing faces; faster at this task using the left hand (due to direct connection to the right hemisphere).