Page 46 - Mind Games The Aging Brain and How to Keep it Healthy

30 • Chapter 2

Left Hemisphere Right Hemisphere

Corpus
Callosum
Figure 2-4 The hemispheres and their bridge,the corpus callosum

Brain Function Location
Some functions carried out by the brain have been identi-
fied as to location. The more basic functions of life, such as
breathing, are located close to the base and the spinal column
in the brainstem. The cortex handles the higher-reasoning
skills, such as language, math, and musical abilities; and the
appreciation of humor.

The Hemispheres

Common phrases overheard these days are right-brained and
left-brained. These phrases refer to the primary location for spe-
cific mental activities within the brain structure (see Figure 2-
5). The left hemisphere communicates with and controls the
right side of the body, while the right hemisphere communi-
cates with and controls the left side of the body. Although both
hemispheres communicate with each other and share some
functions, one hemisphere is considered dominant. The dom-
inant hemisphere is the site for thought processes more in-
volved in detailed and sequential analysis.