Zverev Y P, Chisi J
Physiology Department, College of Medicine, University of Malawi.
Anatomy Department, College of Medicine, University of Malawi.
Malawi Med J. 2004 Mar;16(1):14-6.
Handedness is the most important behavioural asymmetry due to its intimate association with the specialisation of the brain for language. It exists in 3 forms, namely right, left and mixed. Left-handers constitute the biggest minority group in the world and in many aspects they are in a disadvantaged position compared to right-handers. Numerous studies demonstrated association between left-handedness and different health problems ranging from learning disorders to breast cancer and decreased longevity. This paper reviews the relevant literature on the genesis of handedness and connection between handedness and health. Deviations from the "normal" pattern of braininess observed in some left-handers might contribute to developmental, cognitive and some mental disorders. However increased incidence of some of pathological conditions among sinistrals could hardly be explained by the "abnormal" pattern of braininess or by the action of a gene or genes responsible for handedness determination. Review of literature suggests that many of health problems of left-handers develop due to environmental, developmental and other mechanisms related to genesis of handedness.
利手是最重要的行为不对称现象，因为它与大脑语言功能的特化密切相关。利手存在三种形式，即右利手、左利手和混合利手。左利手者是世界上最大的少数群体，在许多方面，他们与右利手者相比处于不利地位。大量研究表明，左利手与从学习障碍到乳腺癌以及寿命缩短等不同的健康问题之间存在关联。本文综述了关于利手起源以及利手与健康之间联系的相关文献。在一些左利手者中观察到的偏离“正常”脑功能模式的情况，可能会导致发育、认知和一些精神障碍。然而，左利手者中某些病理状况的发病率增加，很难用“异常”的脑功能模式或负责利手决定的一个或多个基因的作用来解释。文献综述表明，左利手者的许多健康问题是由于与利手起源相关的环境、发育和其他机制而产生的。
