Know the Differences in the Functions of the Right Brain and Left Brain

If you look deeper into the anatomy of the brain, this organ is divided into two parts, or what is known as the hemispheres or hemispheres of the brain. In general, the right brain or right hemisphere controls the left side of the body, and the left brain or left hemisphere controls the right side of the body. Although the two parts of the human brain look similar, their functions are different. The difference between right and left brain functions was first described by Roger W. Sperry, who won the Nobel Prize for his research in 1960.

Following are the functional differences of the two parts of the brain.

1. Left brain

In most people, the left hemisphere of the brain is responsible for regulating language, reasoning, and speech. This part of the brain is often associated with logic, facts, numbers (mathematics), analysis. If our left brain is injured, the ability to speak and move on the right side of the body is usually affected. This can be observed in a person with damage to the brain on the left, such as a stroke, often making it difficult to produce language or is called aphasia

2. Right brain

Meanwhile, the right brain plays an important role in interpreting visual and spatial information. For example, the right side of the brain is used when drawing a map or indicating the nearest bus stop. This part of the right brain is also often associated with imagination, art, creativity, emotional expression, facial recognition, and music. Therefore, someone who uses the right brain more tends to be a free and creative thinker.

However, according to the American Association of Neurosurgeons, in about a third of left-handed people, speech may be located on the right side of the brain. If the traumatic brain injury occurs on the right side of the brain, movement of the left arm and leg, vision on the left side, and hearing in the left ear may be affected.

Are the functions of the right and left brain related?

It should be noted that although the brain is divided into several parts, there is constant communication between all the parts of the brain. All parts of the brain that work in harmony with each other make it possible to experience life as it is now, namely being able to perform all functions simultaneously. The two sides of the brain are connected to each other by a group of nerve fibers called the corpus callosum, which makes it possible to process and share data efficiently between different parts of the brain. If the two sides of the brain cannot be connected to each other, there will be a disturbance in the communication process in the brain, thus affecting daily life.

For example, a person will not be able to name an object in his hand even though he can recognize the object. This is because object recognition information from the right brain cannot reach the left brain, which plays a role in language function. Thus, it will only be able to recognize the object, but will not be able to name the object.

So it is not true to say that the functions of the human right and left brain are separate. Although both have their own purposes, the two parts of the brain must work together for your brain to function properly.