NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIOURAL CEREBRAL DIFFERENCES Well known differences in hemispheric functioning exist. However, the stereotype of “left brained” or “right brained” has resulted from the oversimplified notion that one set of hemispheric skills will become dominant in a particular person. In a normally functioning brain all capabilities are used to some degree, although, they may be developed to different degrees. A number of behavioural differences are evident in the functioning of the 2 hemispheres. The differences related to the left hemisphere for different functions are: PRIMARY SENSORY AND MOTOR FUNCTIONS In general, except for smell and taste, sensory processing is funneled from the site

Neuropsychological and behavioural differences

Download DOCX Report

Upload
asmi94
View
214
Download
2

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

Left Hemisphere lateralisation and how the structural and anatomical specificities impact neuropsychological differences in our behaviour

Citation preview

NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIOURAL CEREBRAL DIFFERENCES Well known differences in hemispheric functioning exist. However, the stereotype of left brained or right brained has resulted from the oversimplified notion that one set of hemispheric skills will become dominant in a particular person.

In a normally functioning brain all capabilities are used to some degree, although, they may be developed to different degrees.

A number of behavioural differences are evident in the functioning of the 2 hemispheres. The differences related to the left hemisphere for different functions are:

PRIMARY SENSORY AND MOTOR FUNCTIONSIn general, except for smell and taste, sensory processing is funneled from the site of sensory stimulation to the contralateral hemisphere.FOR EXAMPLE:The somatosensory strip of the parietal lobe of the left hemisphere processes objects placed in the right hand. Visual SenseVisual sense is completely crossed, so the primary occipital cortex of the left hemisphere, processes information only in the right visual field.

Auditory SenseAudition is only partially crossed. The left hemisphere processes majority of information presented to the right ear. Olfactory and Gustatory SenseEach hemisphere receives smell and taste sensations from its respective side. (ipsilateral) Motor Function ControlThe primary motor strip of the left hemisphere controls motor movements of the right hand.

NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES FOR HIGHER ORDER PROCESSING: Neuropsychologists recognize the integrative nature of higher order skills, but some abilities demonstrate greater lateralization than others. Language Related Aspects:The left hemisphere is usually more proficient in speech production and understanding. It is facile or not so proficient in manipulating the symbols of language. Sound Related Aspects:Both hemispheres are comparable in processing sound, with the left hemisphere (temporal region) responding selectively to meaningful language (Giraud & Price,2001). Attention:The left hemisphere plays a significant role in divided attention.(Harvey et al, 2005). Verbal Sequential Processing:Verbal sequential processing (eg. Involved in calculations and algebra) is typically associated with the left hemisphere.