Question

Describe a split-brain patient and at least two important aspects of brain function that these patients reveal

Answer 1

A split-brain patient is someone who has had their corpus callosum cut, resulting in the separation of their two cerebral hemispheres. They reveal the lateralization of language and the independence of the hemispheres.

Step-by-step explanation:

A split-brain patient is someone who has had their corpus callosum cut, resulting in the separation of their two cerebral hemispheres. This surgery allows us to understand the unique functions of each hemisphere. Two important aspects of brain function that these patients reveal include:

1. Lateralization of language: When an object is presented to the left visual field, which is processed by the right hemisphere, split-brain patients may be unable to verbally name the object because the speech center is typically located in the left hemisphere. However, they can accurately identify and pick up the object with their left hand, controlled by the right hemisphere.
2. Independence of the hemispheres: Split-brain patients can perform two tasks simultaneously, one with each hand, due to the lack of communication between the hemispheres. This demonstrates the individual processing capabilities of each hemisphere.