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CheckPoint: Cerebral Lateralization and Functionality
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There are various methods of brain study focusing on lateralization of function. Four such methods of studying lateralization and function include comparing the effects of brain lesions from the left and right hemispheres, sodium amytal testing, dichotic listening tests and functional brain imaging (Pinel, 2007, p. 444-445).
The first method of study involves the comparison of effects of brain lesions on the independent hemispheres of the brain. In the mid 1800’s this method of study evolved with the discovery that damage to the Broca’s area of the left hemisphere affected one’s ability for speech and language comprehension (Pinel, 2007, p.444). The early discoveries about left hemisphere damage and its effect on a plethora of functions led to the belief that one hemisphere, the left, is dominant over the other (Pinel, 2007, p. 444).
The sodium amytal test examines the language lateralization of the hemispheres. Small amounts of sodium amytal are injected through the carotid artery in the neck first on one side and then the other anesthetizing the specific hemisphere. The test subject is then asked to recite common series of information as well as identify pictures or objects (Pinel, 2007, p. 445). Results of the test show that the left hemisphere, the dominant, is greatly responsible for the majority of language and critical memory function (Pinel, 2007, p.445).
Dichotic listening tests are non invasive tests given by presenting information which is different simultaneously to each ear. This test further lends merit to the dominant hemisphere concept as the left hemisphere as the test subjects usually recall more information received by the right ear than the left (Pinel, 2007, p.445).
Another method of study is use of functional brain imaging in the form of PET and MRI tests. During these tests subjects are given various tasks to perform and the brain activity is then monitored. These tests also show left side dominance with regard to functionality especially with regard to language (Pinel, 2007, p. 445).
Hemispheres of the Brain
LEFT HEMISPHERE RIGHT HEMISPHERE
References
Pinel, J.P. (2007). Basics of biopsychology. Boston: Pearson Education.