Brain laterality of numbers and calculation: Complex networks and their development

This chapter reviews notions about the lateralization of numbers and calculation in the brain, including its developmental pattern. Such notions have changed dramatically in recent decades. What was once considered a function almost exclusively located in the left hemisphere has been found to be sustained by complex brain networks encompassing both hemispheres. Depending on the specific task, however, each hemisphere has its own role. Much of this progress was determined by the convergency of investigations conducted with different methods. Contrary to traditional wisdom, the right hemisphere is not involved in arithmetic just as far as generic spatial aspects are concerned. Very specific arithmetic functions like remembering the spatial templates for complex operations, or processing of zero in complex numbers, are indeed sustained in specific right-sided areas. The system used in the typical adult appears to be the result of a complex pattern of development. The numerical brain clearly evolved from less mature to more advanced brain networks because of growth and education. Children seem to be equipped with the ability to represent the number nonverbally from a very early age. The bilateral processing of number-related tasks is however a late acquisition.