As you may know, the brain is divided into two halves or hemispheres, with each hemisphere controlling movements and receiving sensory information from the opposite side of the body. The left hemisphere controls and receives info from the right side of the body, etc. The two hemispheres are connected by the corpus collosum which enables the two sides to share info and know what the other side is doing and perceiving. Pretty cool, eh?
It gets better. Sometimes the corpus collosum must be cut (this is literally called a split-brain operation). After this operation the two hemispheres are disconnected and their sensory mechanisms, memories, and motor systems can no longer exchange info. If you were speaking with someone who had a split-brain operation it wouldn't be obvious at first because the speech center is located in only one hemisphere, usually the left. The right seems to be able to understand verbal instructions, but is incapable of producing speech.
It gets even better. Since only one side of the brain can talk about what it's experiencing, people speaking with someone who has had a split-brain operation are conversing with only the left hemisphere. The patient's left hemisphere has to actually learn about the independent existence of the right hemisphere. Sometimes, patients will notice that their left hand seems to have a mind of its own. Patients may find themselves putting down a book held in the left hand, even if they were interested in it. This occurs because the right hemisphere, which controls the left hand, cannot read and has gotten bored!
I love brains
<3Pyrat
It gets better. Sometimes the corpus collosum must be cut (this is literally called a split-brain operation). After this operation the two hemispheres are disconnected and their sensory mechanisms, memories, and motor systems can no longer exchange info. If you were speaking with someone who had a split-brain operation it wouldn't be obvious at first because the speech center is located in only one hemisphere, usually the left. The right seems to be able to understand verbal instructions, but is incapable of producing speech.
It gets even better. Since only one side of the brain can talk about what it's experiencing, people speaking with someone who has had a split-brain operation are conversing with only the left hemisphere. The patient's left hemisphere has to actually learn about the independent existence of the right hemisphere. Sometimes, patients will notice that their left hand seems to have a mind of its own. Patients may find themselves putting down a book held in the left hand, even if they were interested in it. This occurs because the right hemisphere, which controls the left hand, cannot read and has gotten bored!
I love brains
<3Pyrat
VIEW 9 of 9 COMMENTS
neurozombie:
I read this in a book somewhere that was not a book about braaaains. Where'd you learn this?
codemonkeym:
Aww, sorry. At least they will be over soon. 