Question 1: What is a split-brain operation, and why is it performed?

Answer: A split-brain operation involves cutting the corpus callosum to separate the two hemispheres of the brain, usually to reduce severe epilepsy. It helps prevent seizures from spreading between hemispheres.

Question 2: Describe how information is processed differently in the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Answer: The left hemisphere typically processes language, speech, and analytical tasks, while the right hemisphere is more involved with visual-spatial tasks, recognizing faces, and processing emotions.

Question 3: Imagine a person with a split-brain who is shown a picture of a dog in their right visual field. What can they say about the picture? Why?

Answer: They can say they see a dog because the right visual field is processed by the left hemisphere, which controls speech.

Question 4: Now, if the same person is shown the picture of a cat in their left visual field, what would they be able to do or say? Why?

Answer: They might not be able to say what they saw because the left visual field is processed by the right hemisphere, which does not control speech. However, they might be able to draw or pick a picture of a cat with their left hand.

Question 5: Explain why split-brain patients might have difficulty naming objects shown to their left hand.

Answer: Because the left hand is controlled by the right hemisphere, which in split-brain patients cannot communicate directly with the language centers in the left hemisphere, making naming difficult.

Question 6: Describe what happens during split-brain research experiments when an image is shown to the left eye of a patient.

Answer: The image is processed by the right hemisphere, which may not be able to verbally describe it but can recognize it or perform tasks with the left hand.

Question 7: Draw a simple diagram showing how the left and right visual fields connect to the brain's hemispheres.

Answer: A diagram with two eyes, each split into left and right visual fields. The left visual field of both eyes connects to the right hemisphere, and the right visual field connects to the left hemisphere. Indicate the flow of information accordingly.

Question 8: Sketch a diagram of the brain showing the corpus callosum and the two hemispheres. Label the parts clearly.

Answer: A large oval representing the brain, divided into left and right hemispheres with a thick band (corpus callosum) in the middle connecting them. Label the 'left hemisphere', 'right hemisphere', and 'corpus callosum'.

Question 9: What might be a reason scientists are interested in split-brain research? Write a brief explanation.

Answer: Scientists study split-brain research to understand how different parts of the brain communicate and how each hemisphere contributes to behavior and cognition.

Question 10: Explain what is meant by 'hemispheric lateralization' and give an example related to split-brain studies.

Answer: 'Hemispheric lateralization' means that certain functions are more dominant in one hemisphere than the other. For example, language is usually lateralized to the left hemisphere, as shown in split-brain studies.