Britannica AI Icon

Quick Summary

The cerebral hemispheres are the two large, upper portions of the brain, derived from the telencephalon. They are involved in integrating sensory information, controlling voluntary movement, and higher intellectual functions like speech and abstract thought. The outer layer of the cerebral hemispheres is the cerebral cortex, a convoluted surface of gray matter.12

The two hemispheres are separated by the longitudinal fissure and connected by the corpus callosum, a bundle of nerve fibers that allows communication between them. Each hemisphere controls the contralateral side of the body, meaning the left hemisphere controls the right side, and vice versa. However, hemispheres have distinct functions; for example, language is typically controlled by the left hemisphere, while spatial perception is managed by the right.314

The cerebral cortex is divided into four lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital, each associated with specific functions such as motor control, sensory processing, hearing, and vision.41

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.