Split Brain Behavioral Experiments

Meet Joe. After suffering from years of epilepsy, Joe underwent brain surgery to have his corpus callosum severed. The corpus callosum, also referred to as the colossal commissure, is a thick band of 200-250 million nerve fibers at the longitudinal fissure that facilitates  interhemispheric communication in the brain. By having this band severed, Joe prevented the spread of epileptic seizure from one hemisphere to the other.

Studies have shown that each hemisphere of the brain is (generally) dominant for certain functions. For example, the right hemisphere shows dominance when an individual is dealing with spatial abilities, visual imagery, face recognition or music.  The left hemisphere is dominant for math, calculations and logical abilities. Under normal circumstances, the left and right hemispheres work together and share information for the benefit of the individual. Now with both hemispheres working independently of each other, how will Joe’s cognitive abilities be affected? Please watch the video (posted above) for some fascinating insights.

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