Left hemisphere

Left Hemisphere

The brain is divided into two hemispheres, the left hemisphere and the right hemisphere. Each hemisphere is responsible for controlling the opposite side of the body, and each has different abilities. The left hemisphere is traditionally associated with analytical and logical abilities, language, and mathematical skills.

Anatomy

The left hemisphere, like the right, is divided into four lobes: the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, and occipital lobe. Each lobe is responsible for different functions. The left hemisphere is connected to the right hemisphere by a bundle of nerve fibers called the corpus callosum, which allows the two hemispheres to communicate with each other.

Functions

The left hemisphere is often referred to as the "dominant" hemisphere, as it controls most of the functions related to language and analytical thinking. It is responsible for controlling the right side of the body, and for tasks that involve logic, such as in science and mathematics. The left hemisphere is also involved in the control of fine motor skills, such as writing and drawing.

Language

One of the most important functions of the left hemisphere is language. The two main areas involved in language, Broca's area and Wernicke's area, are located in the left hemisphere in about 95% of right-handed individuals and 70% of left-handed individuals. Broca's area is involved in speech production, while Wernicke's area is involved in the comprehension of speech.

Analytical Thinking

The left hemisphere is also associated with analytical thinking. This includes tasks that involve logic, such as solving a math problem, and tasks that require sequential processing, such as following a recipe.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the left hemisphere can result in a variety of neurological and psychological conditions. These include aphasia, a disorder affecting the ability to speak or understand language, and apraxia, a motor disorder affecting the ability to perform purposeful movements.

See Also

• Right Hemisphere
• Brain
• Neuroscience