Hemisphere dominance what is

However, it has not yet been fully understood how one hemisphere assumes dominance over the other when it comes to controlling specific functions. The two hemispheres are connected via thick nerve fibre bundles, so-called commissures.

However, the interactions that take place between the two hemispheres are excitatory, as well as inhibitory. In the biopsychology lab in Bochum, the researchers therefore approached this question using a new method. To understand how cross-talk between hemispheres influences dominance, Prof. Qian Xiao intermittently switched off some of the neurons that run between the two sides of the brain. After blocking specific neurons running from one side, they would observe the activity of the neurons that usually receive their input on the opposite side.

In this way, they could pick apart the way in which the dominant hemisphere exerts its control. The researchers showed that, rather than merely inhibiting the right side of the brain during this task, the left brain could delay the response of the right brain, so preventing it from getting involved.

As Prof. It does not hinge on one general inhibitory or excitatory influence; rather it is caused by minute temporal delays in the activity of nerve cells in the other hemisphere. The findings provide an entirely new way to look at hemispheric dominance. Research is bound to continue into this rather peculiar phenomenon that evolution has lovingly conserved throughout many branches of life.

However, it is likely to be quite some time before we understand why dividing tasks between the hemispheres is so evolutionarily advantageous. In this article, we discuss the most fascinating cell type in the human body.

We explain what a neuron looks like, what it does, and how it works. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. Symptoms include memory loss and cognitive decline. Learn more about it here. The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord. Conversely, for those people without aphasia, communicating with stroke survivors who have aphasia can be made easier with some of the following methods:.

The dominant hemisphere of the brain controls language, which is one of our more important ways of interacting with the world. Any injury to the dominant hemisphere of the brain—such as stroke, tumor, or head trauma—can cause aphasia. Aphasia is challenging for the person who has this condition, as well as for loved ones and caregivers.

The majority of stroke survivors who have aphasia experience some recovery, which can be optimized through rehabilitative therapy after a stroke. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Brain basics: Know your brain. Updated February 13, Corballis MC. Left brain, right brain: facts and fantasies.

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Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. Kiran S, Thompson CK. Neuroplasticity of language networks in aphasia: Advances, updates, and future challenges. Front Neurol. Aphasia: Current concepts in theory and practice. J Neurol Transl Neurosci. From singing to speaking: facilitating recovery from nonfluent aphasia. Future Neurol. What do stroke patients look for in game-based rehabilitation: A survey study. Medicine Baltimore. Communication activity in stroke patients with aphasia.