Laterality

Abstract

Laterality (or lateralization) refers to differences between the left and right sides of the brain. It is sometimes manifested as side biases in the behavior of the animal. The left and right sides of the brain (usually the hemispheres) may be different in structure, or they may process information differently and control different functions. The latter is also known as hemispheric specialization. Handedness in humans is the most commonly recognized example of laterality expressed in this way but. as the examples to follow will show, laterality can include responding differently to a stimulus according to whether it is on the animal's left or right side or to a preference for turning in one direction.