Name: how the brain’s two halves work
Uploaded: 2024-08-29T22:13:37.000Z
Duration: 1 min 5 s
Channel: JoVE

La corteza cerebral humana se divide en dos hemisferios cerebrales: el izquierdo y el derecho.
El cuerpo calloso, un robusto haz de fibras neuronales, conecta estos dos hemisferios. Facilita la comunicación entre ellos, permitiendo que cada hemisferio controle y reciba información del lado opuesto del cuerpo. Por ejemplo, la corteza motora en el hemisferio izquierdo dirige los movimientos de la mano derecha y viceversa.
El hemisferio izquierdo se especializa en el procesamiento de información lingüística estructurada, el razonamiento lógico, las tareas analíticas y el manejo de actividades como el habla, la gramática y la sintaxis al leer un libro o cantar letras.
Por el contrario, el hemisferio derecho interpreta la información no verbal, incluida la percepción espacial, el reconocimiento visual y las variaciones emocionales.
También interpreta los significados más profundos de las historias y las entonaciones vocales.

hemisferio cerebral:

El cerebro humano, un órgano complejo, se divide funcionalmente en dos hemisferios cerebrales: izquierdo y derecho. Estos hemisferios están interconectados por una estructura de suma importancia, el cuerpo calloso. Este importante haz de fibras neuronales no es solo un puente entre los hemisferios, sino un elemento crucial para el funcionamiento integral del cerebro. Permite una comunicación eficiente entre los dos hemisferios, lo que permite que cada lado del cerebro controle y recibe información sensorial y motora del lado opuesto del cuerpo. Esta disposición es vital para las acciones físicas coordinadas y las percepciones sensoriales. 

Cada hemisferio del cerebro está especializado para manejar diferentes tipos de tareas cognitivas y perceptivas, un fenómeno conocido como lateralización. 

Hemisferio izquierdo 

El hemisferio izquierdo es predominantemente responsable del procesamiento de información lingüística y matemática estructurada. Supervisa funciones como la producción del habla, la comprensión de la gramática y la sintaxis, y otros elementos del lenguaje que son esenciales para la lectura y la comunicación verbal. La capacidad de este hemisferio para descomponer las palabras en sus sonidos constituyentes y analizar la estructura de las oraciones es fundamental para una comunicación eficaz. 

Hemisferio derecho 

El hemisferio derecho se destaca en el procesamiento de información visoespacial y no verbal. Desempeña un papel crucial en el reconocimiento de rostros, la interpretación de escenas visuales y el procesamiento de música y otros sonidos complejos. Además, este hemisferio es experto en discernir el tono emocional y los matices no literales del lenguaje, como el sarcasmo o la ironía. Esta capacidad es vital para las interacciones sociales y la comprensión de las señales sutiles de comunicación.

Curiosamente, incluso en casos de traumatismo cerebral grave o en personas con un "cerebro dividido" (una afección en la que el cuerpo calloso se corta quirúrgicamente o desaparece), el cerebro humano demuestra un notable grado de plasticidad. En tales situaciones, cada hemisferio puede adaptarse compensando funciones que normalmente gestiona el otro. Por ejemplo, cuando se interrumpen las conexiones entre los hemisferios, las personas pueden seguir realizando tareas complejas, lo que demuestra la adaptabilidad del cerebro y las capacidades independientes de cada hemisferio. 

El cuerpo calloso no solo sirve como puente que facilita la comunicación interhemisférica, sino que también garantiza que las funciones especializadas de cada hemisferio se integren armoniosamente, lo que permite un procesamiento cohesivo y eficiente de la información en todo el cerebro. Esta integración es fundamental para la naturaleza multifacética de la cognición, la emoción y el comportamiento humanos.

Hemisferio cerebral:

La corteza cerebral humana se divide en dos hemisferios cerebrales: el izquierdo y el derecho.
El cuerpo calloso, un robusto haz de fibras neuronales, conecta ...

Education

Educación

JoVE Core

Introduction to Psychology

Introducción a la Psicología

Unit 1

Unidad 1

Biopsychology

Biopsicología

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

TÉRMINOS Y CONCEPTOS CLAVE

Cerebral Hemispheres

how the brain’s two halves work

The brain’s two cerebral hemispheres work together to process information and control the body. The left and right hemispheres are linked by the corpus callosum, a large bundle of nerve fibers. This connection lets the two sides share sensory and motor information, with each hemisphere controlling the opposite side of the body.

The hemispheres are also specialized for different tasks. This is called lateralization, which means certain functions are handled more strongly by one side than the other. The left hemisphere is mainly involved in language and math. It supports speech production, grammar, syntax, and the sound structure of words, which are important for reading and speaking.

The right hemisphere is more active in visuospatial and nonverbal processing. It helps with recognizing faces, understanding visual scenes, and processing music and other complex sounds. It also plays a role in reading emotional tone and non-literal language such as sarcasm or irony. These skills are important for social communication and for noticing subtle cues in everyday speech.

Even when the brain is badly injured or when the corpus callosum is cut or missing, known as split brain, the brain can still adapt. In these cases, each hemisphere may take on some functions usually handled by the other. This plasticity shows that the brain can compensate and still support complex tasks. The corpus callosum therefore acts as both a bridge and a link that helps the two specialized hemispheres work as one system.

How the Brain’s Two Halves Work

introduction to biological bases of psychology

introduction-to-biological-bases-of-psychology

Biological Factors Shaping Behavior and Mind

Biopsychology connects biology and psychology by showing how the body influences behavior and mental processes. It focuses on the nervous system, neurotransmitters, hormones, genetics, and evolutionary ideas. Together, these areas help explain why people think, feel, and act the way they do. The nervous system is the main foundation of biopsychology. It has two parts: the central nervous system, or CNS, and the peripheral nervous system, or PNS. The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord and...

nervous system

Nervous System: CNS, PNS, and Reflexes

The nervous system helps the body sense, move, and respond. It works through a network of nerve cells that carry signals around the body. This system has two main parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system, or CNS, includes the brain and spinal cord. The brain acts as the body’s control center. It processes sensory information and helps coordinate responses. The spinal cord serves as a major pathway for signals between the brain and the rest...

neurons as communicators of the brain

Neuron Parts and Signal Transmission

Neurons are the cells that carry information through the brain and nervous system. They use electrical and chemical signals to help control body functions, from heartbeat regulation to complex thinking. Their structure is built for fast, efficient communication. The cell body, or soma, is the neuron’s control center. It contains the nucleus, which holds the cell’s genetic material and helps maintain the neuron’s health and function. The cytoplasm around it contains organelles that make...

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neurotransmitters

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cerebral hemispheres

The brain’s two cerebral hemispheres work together to process information and control the body. The left and right hemispheres are linked by the corpus callosum, a large bundle of nerve fibers. This connection lets the two sides share sensory and motor information, with each hemisphere controlling the opposite side of the body. The hemispheres are also specialized for different tasks. This is called lateralization, which means certain functions are handled more strongly by one side than the...

lobes of the cerebrum

How Brain Lobes Shape Perception

The cerebral cortex is divided into two hemispheres, and each hemisphere has four lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital. Together, these lobes support the brain’s main cognitive and sensory jobs. They work as a team to help you think, feel, move, and respond to the world. The frontal lobe sits behind the forehead and acts as a control center for personality, intelligence, and voluntary muscle movement. It also contains the prefrontal cortex, a region that helps with planning,...

spinal cord

Spinal Cord Nerves and Reflexes

The spinal cord is a major part of the central nervous system. It runs from the base of the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. It helps keep the body stable and carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal cord sits inside the bony spine for protection. It is divided into 30 segments that match the vertebrae. Each segment connects to a specific body region through paired spinal nerves. These spinal nerves are grouped by where they leave the...

lateralization

Brain Hemisphere Specialization

Brain hemisphere specialization divides mental tasks between the left and right sides of the brain. This split can improve neural efficiency and support more complex human abilities. Each hemisphere tends to handle the work it does best, which helps cognitive processing run more smoothly. The left hemisphere is especially strong in logic and language-related tasks. It supports analytical thinking, which means breaking a problem into parts and solving it step by step. This is important for...

human genetics

Genes, Behavior, and Mental Health

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Chromosomes, DNA, and Inherited Traits

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organization of the brain

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evolutionary psychology

Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior

Evolutionary psychology explains human behavior and mental processes through natural selection. It uses Darwin’s idea that traits can spread when they help survival and reproduction. In this view, some common behaviors may be adaptations that were useful to our ancestors. One clear example is fear of snakes. This fear is nearly universal, which suggests that early humans who avoided snakes were more likely to survive deadly encounters. Over many generations, that caution could be passed on and...

neuroplasticity

How the Brain Rewires Itself

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brain imaging

Brain Scanning Techniques

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the endocrine system

Endocrine Glands and Hormone Signals

The endocrine system is a network of glands that send hormone signals through the body. Hormones are chemical messengers that help control many body functions. They enter the bloodstream and travel to cells with the right receptors, or target sites, so the signal can be received. Because of this, hormone effects are widespread, unlike the more localized effects of neurotransmitters. This signaling helps the body keep a stable internal environment, called homeostasis. Several major glands...

somatosensory, motor, and association cortex

somatosensory-motor-and-association-cortex

Brain Cortex Areas for Sensation and Movement

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major hormones and their functions

Hormone Imbalances and Their Effects

Hormones are chemical messengers made by endocrine glands. They help control body functions and keep internal conditions stable. When hormone levels shift too far up or down, normal body processes can be disrupted. Several major hormones have clear roles in the body. Oxytocin is made in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. It supports social bonding, childbirth, and lactation. Low oxytocin can affect social interaction and stress response, and it may contribute to depression.

inheritance

Genes, Traits, and Mendel's Rules

Genes, traits, and Mendel's rules explain how characteristics pass from parents to offspring. Gregor Mendel's pea plant experiments changed how scientists understand heredity. His work showed that traits are controlled by discrete units inside organisms called genes. Genes usually come in pairs. One gene is inherited from each parent, and together they make a person's genotype. Genotype is the genetic blueprint for potential traits. Examples include blood type, eye color, and inherited...

gene-environment interactions

How Environment Shapes Gene Expression

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heritability

Heritability and the Environment

Heritability describes how genetic differences contribute to trait variation in a population. It is a statistical measure, so it shows how much of the spread in a trait can be linked to genes across a group. It does not tell you how “genetic” a trait is in an individual person. Heritability is usually expressed as a percentage. That percentage can change depending on which population is studied and what environmental conditions are present. This means heritability is context-dependent, not...

natural selection and adaptation

Adaptation in Changing Environments

Natural selection explains how organisms become better suited to their environments over time. It favors individuals with traits that improve survival and reproduction. Adaptation is the result. It includes genetic changes that help an organism function in specific conditions, such as extreme cold or thinner air at high altitudes. Adaptation is not only physical. Psychological adaptation also helps organisms, especially humans, succeed in their surroundings. These responses come from both...

natural selection and mating preferences

How Selection Shapes Mate Choice

Natural selection and mating preferences work together to shape how organisms survive and reproduce. Natural selection favors traits that help an organism fit its environment. Mating preferences are part of sexual selection, which influences who mates with whom and how genes are passed on. Evolutionary psychologists argue that these preferences are tied to instincts that support reproduction. For females, conception, pregnancy, and nursing create a strong need to choose mates who can offer...

criticisms of the evolutionary perspective

criticisms-of-the-evolutionary-perspective

Social Learning vs. Evolutionary Psychology

Social learning theory and evolutionary psychology offer two different ways to explain sexual behavior. A study in which strangers gave students compliments and then asked for casual sex showed a clear gender gap. None of the women said yes, while 70% of the men agreed. Evolutionary psychology explains this result by arguing that natural selection may have shaped women to be more selective about sexual partners. From this view, selectivity can help improve survival and reproductive success. It...

key terms and concepts

Learn how the left and right cerebral hemispheres communicate through the corpus callosum, share body control, and specialize in language, space, and emotion.

How the Brain’s Two Halves Work | JoVE K12

JoVE Core Introduction to Psychology offers an engaging learning experience on the fundamental principles of psychology through concise video lessons. Students will explore important topics such as cognitive processes, emotional regulation, and neural mechanisms, establishing a strong foundation in the study of the mind and human behavior. This series provides an accessible and captivating approach to grasp the essential concepts of the discipline.

introduction to psychology

How the Brain’s Two Halves Work

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