HEMISPHERIC DIFFERENCES- SINGLE SIDE OF A COIN

Left and right hemisphere is taught as distinct parts of the brain with unique characteristics and functions attributed to each of them. It definitely simplies a rather complex structure of the brain and I beleive, in a lot of ways, it still is a very useful academic model. The reality is that the functions of each hemisphere are not as clearly demarcated as taught.

Dr. Roger Sperry won the Nobel Prize for pointing out the contribution of each hemisphere to the overall health and functionality of an individual and that was back in 1982. With the advent of Neuroscience and latest machines to analyse brain function, we can now study the brain while the human is alive. This has given us a peek into a lot of details and accuracy of the same that was not available earlier.

It will be practical to say that both the hemisphere do their functions and it is their joining point- the corpus collosum- that provides as the interface of the two, aiding in functions to be carried on smoothly and efficiently.

Latest hemispheric studies show that both the hemispheres are capable of performing all functions. In the absence of a part of the hemisphere that goes missing, it was earlier assumed that the function attributed to that particular part would cease and the person will be handicap and dysfunctional. Now, we know that it may or may not happen! The dysfunctional aspect created by the absence of that part is compensated by the rest of the brain and a fully functional human being is restored.

Therefore, it is good to study the brain as two differentiated hemispheres and practically know that the brain works in wholeness; not in parts.