Final answer:
Lateralization refers to the concentration of specific functions in either the left or right hemisphere of the brain, notable in language and spatial reasoning, but with no exclusive domain by either side. The cerebrum's hemispheres are structured into lobes that handle different roles, and they interact mainly with the opposite side of the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
The specialization in certain functions by each side of the brain is referred to as lateralization. This concept entails the concentration of different capabilities within either the left or right hemisphere of the cerebrum. Evidence of lateralization is especially notable in language functions, with the left hemisphere generally handling language and the right hemisphere being more involved with spatial and nonverbal reasoning. However, it is important to note that no hemisphere has a monopoly on these functions, and complex functions like language involve neural networks distributed across the entire cerebrum.
Each hemisphere of the cerebrum is comprised of four lobes - frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital - that are associated with distinct functions like reasoning, touch, sight, and hearing. These regions are discernible in both hemispheres, yet lateralization means that certain functions are more concentrated or developed on one side. For instance, while language-related activities are typically found more in the left hemisphere, the right hemisphere is often more active during tasks involving abstract reasoning and spatial processing.
The connectivity of each hemisphere with the opposite side of the body is another aspect of lateralization. The left side of the brain receives information from and sends commands to the right side of the body, and vice versa. This cross-communication is rooted in how sensory and motor nerves connect to the brain, crossing over at the brain stem.