Right Brain VS Left Brain Functions

The human brain is divided into two distinct cerebral hemisphere connected by the corpus callosum which give as right brain VS left brain functions. The sides resemble each other but the functions of each side are distinctly different. While no one is really left brain or right brain only, unless a hemisphere is removed, it is quite interesting to see how people test. Broad generalizations are made in popular psychology about certain function on one side or the other. Actually, scientists continue to explore how some cognitive functions tend to be dominated by one side or the other, that is, how they are lateralized. The left side of your brain controls the right side of your body and vice verso for the right side. Different parts of the brains control different functions of the body.

Brain anatomy is very interesting and we know there are specific differences in the two sides. For instance, the lateral sulcus generally is longer in the left hemisphere than in the right hemisphere, but we don’t always see any functional differences. If a specific area of the brain is injured its functions sometimes can be assumed by another area of the brain.

In 1981, Roger Sperry won the Nobel Prize as he conducted called the “Split brain” experiments. A patient suffered from uncontrolled seizures and had an area of his brain removed by surgery in an attempt to control his illness, which was the corpus callosum.  After the surgery the patient seemed to function normally as he could walk, talk and eat, however some astounding results occurred.  They conducted tests individually on both sides of the body. For instance, the right eye and hand could name an object such as a pencil but could not explain what it was used for.  The left eye and hand couldn’t name it but it could demonstrate how to use it.   

According to Roger Sperry (1973), “The main theme to emerge... is that there appear to be two modes of thinking, verbal and nonverbal, represented rather separately in left and right hemispheres respectively and that our education system, as well as science in general, tends to neglect the nonverbal form of intellect. What it comes down to is that modern society discriminates against the right hemisphere.”

Brain mapping is an advance neurosurgical procedure used to identity which areas of the brain controls various functions and this surgery is currently being studied at Mayo Clinic.

Typically mind mapping is used for patients with certain types of brain tumors or epileptic seizures when the diseased is found in areas of the brain that effect the patient’s vision, language and body movement. The patient is initially is initially put to sleep so numbing medication can be given, then awakened while the neurosurgeon stimulates the brain and they might be asked to move in a particular way or look at something specific. The patient is not in pain.A three-dimensional computer image of mapping software is used taking images before the surgery and during the surgery as a guide. The neurosurgeon removes the tumor or the damaged tissue which would then stop the patient from having multiple seizures. Highly trained and experienced neuroanesthesiologists specifically trained in this type of surgery are necessary so the patient feels no pain. Other specialist assesses the body movement, speech and language skills and a computer engineer manages the computer guided imagery.

While this very precise work is being done, there are still some characteristic thought to be more left or right sided. We are all a mixture of the characteristics from both sides.

Left brain characteristics: uses logic; detail oriented; facts rule; words and language; math and science; can comprehend; knowing; acknowledges; knows object name; reality based and practical.

Right brain characteristics: uses feeling; big picture oriented; imagination rules; symbols and images; intuition; appreciated; spatial perception; knows object function; fantasy based; presents possibilities; impetuous and risk taker

Also, particularly as we age, it is good to play mind games or use brain teasers to keep your mind sharp, as it needs exercise just as much as your body does. This is a website that gives you a free test at no cost: http://www.wherecreativitygoestoschool.com/vancouver/left_right/rb_test.htm

Since we live in a world that is hugely left-brained, we end up with a more material focus than a spiritual one. The language of the spirit is intuition, impressions, images, feeling, and pictures. It is interesting to look at your life habits, the way you relate to others and see if you can figure out which is a right brain VS left brain function

The copyright to this article is owned by Pamela Oglesby. Permission to republish this article in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.