Final answer:
It is true that the left hemisphere of the brain controls the right side of the body due to the way neural pathways are switched in the brainstem, a concept known as decussation. The corpus callosum connects the two hemispheres, which exhibit lateralization of functions, with the left hemisphere often being responsible for language. Severing the corpus callosum in certain medical procedures can reveal the distinct roles of each hemisphere.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the left hemisphere of the brain controls the right side of the body is true. This is due to the way the brain is wired with the pathway of the neural connections. The descending neural connections are switched in the brainstem, resulting in the connections from the left hemisphere being transmitted to the right side of the body and vice versa.
This crossing of pathways in the brainstem is also known as decussation. In terms of function, the left hemisphere is predominantly responsible for language and analytical tasks, and it controls motor activities on the right side through the corticospinal tract. Sensory information received by the right side of the body is processed by the left hemisphere. This communication is facilitated by the corpus callosum, which connects the two hemispheres and allows them to work together.