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Updated: May 19, 2026
08:29
Symmetric Bihemispheric Postmortem Brain Cutting to Study Healthy and Pathological Brain Conditions in Humans
Published on: December 18, 2016
Cerebral asymmetry: a quantitative, multifactorial, and plastic brain phenotype.
1Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia. miguel.renteria@qimr.edu.au
Summary
The human brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human Anatomy
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- The human brain has two hemispheres connected by the corpus callosum.
- While largely symmetrical, hemispheres show anatomical differences and functional lateralization (e.g., language, handedness).
- Mechanisms and implications of hemispheric specialization are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review normal and atypical cerebral asymmetry.
- To explore factors influencing macrostructural asymmetry.
- To highlight the role of asymmetry in brain organization and potential links to neurodevelopmental/psychiatric conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent neuroimaging studies.
- Documentation of variations in brain symmetry and asymmetry.
- Analysis of influencing factors: age, gender, brain region, pathological state.
Main Results:
- Evidence of normal and atypical cerebral asymmetry is presented.
- Factors influencing macrostructural asymmetry are discussed.
- Neuroimaging reveals variations in brain symmetry across different conditions.
Conclusions:
- Cerebral asymmetry is a significant feature of brain organization.
- Understanding asymmetry is crucial for comprehending neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions.
- Further research into cerebral asymmetry is warranted.
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