Hemispheric Specialization

Hemispheric specialization refers to the different and specific functions performed by the two hemispheres of the brain. Referred to colloquially as "right brain/left brain" the hemispheres separately are generally responsible for different neurological functions.

For example, language skills are primarily located in the left hemisphere while spatial reasoning and mechanical skills are associated with the right. Brain imaging techniques have allowed researchers to identify hemispheric specialization areas. The two hemispheres of the brain communicate using the corpus callosum, a band of fibers that passes information between the two.