cerebral dominance, the specialization of each of the two cerebral hemispheres in the integration and control of different functions. In 90% of the population, the left cerebral hemisphere specializes in or dominates the ability to speak and write and the capacity to understand spoken and written words. The areas that control these activities are situated in the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes of the left hemisphere. In the other 10% of the population, either the right hemisphere or both hemispheres dominate the speech and writing abilities. The right cerebral hemisphere dominates the integration of certain sounds other than those associated with speaking, such as sounds of coughing, laughter, crying, and melodies. The right cerebral hemisphere perceives tactile stimuli and visual spatial relationships better than the left cerebral hemisphere does. See also Brodmann’s areas, Broca’s area.
