Cerebral hemispheres

Cerebral Hemispheres

The human brain is divided into two distinct parts known as the cerebral hemispheres. Each hemisphere is further divided into four main regions or lobes: the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, and occipital lobe.

Structure

The cerebral hemispheres are separated by a deep groove known as the longitudinal fissure. Each hemisphere is mirror images of the other in terms of structure, but they have different functions. The outermost layer of the cerebral hemispheres is known as the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for higher brain functions such as thought, language, and personality.

Function

Each cerebral hemisphere is responsible for the opposite side of the body. For example, the right hemisphere controls the left side of the body, and the left hemisphere controls the right side. This is known as contralateral control.

The left hemisphere is typically dominant in language and logic, while the right hemisphere is dominant in spatial abilities, face recognition, visual imagery, and music. This is known as lateralization of brain function.

Clinical significance

Damage to the cerebral hemispheres can result in a variety of neurological disorders, such as stroke, brain tumor, and traumatic brain injury. The specific symptoms depend on the area of the brain that is affected.

See also

• Brain
• Neurology
• Neuroscience