What are the two large halves of the brain referred to as?

The two large halves of the brain are referred to as hemispheres. This term specifically denotes the left and right divisions of the brain, which are responsible for different functions and processes. Each hemisphere controls the opposite side of the body and specializes in distinct tasks; for example, the left hemisphere is generally associated with language and analytical functions, while the right hemisphere is often linked to spatial abilities and creativity.

The term "cortexes" refers to the outer layer of the brain that covers the hemispheres, involved in higher functions such as thought, perception, and decision-making, but it does not denote the large halves themselves. "Lobes" are subdivisions of the hemispheres that are further categorized (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital) based on the location and functionality they serve within each hemisphere. "Sections," while a general term, does not specifically identify the division of the brain into its primary halves. Understanding this terminology is essential for grasping the structural organization and functionality of the brain in developmental psychology.