FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What does the left hemisphere of the brain primarily control?

1. The left side of the body

2. The right side of the body

3. Both sides of the body equally

4. The emotional responses of the body

The correct answer is: The right side of the body

The left hemisphere of the brain primarily controls the right side of the body. This lateralization is due to the crossing of motor pathways; neurons that control muscle movements on one side of the body originate in the opposite hemisphere of the brain. This phenomenon is also seen in sensory processing, where sensations from the right side of the body are processed in the left hemisphere. In addition to motor and sensory functions, the left hemisphere is often associated with language and analytical tasks. While other cognitive functions are distributed across both sides of the brain, the dominant role of the left hemisphere in controlling the right side of the body is a well-established concept in neuroscience. Understanding the functions of brain hemispheres is crucial for recognizing how different areas influence behavior, motor skills, and cognitive abilities. The other choices do not accurately represent the relationship between the brain hemispheres and body control; thus, they do not align with established neurological principles.