What are the functions of the cerebral hemispheres?

Which hemisphere dominates in you, the left or the right? Are you more logical or organized or do you lean towards an artistic and creative personality? These types of beliefs have lived among us for decades, forming an authentic neuromyth about the functions of the cerebral hemispheres. However, It is not true that each of us presents a particular type of brain dominance.

Nobody uses one hemisphere more than another. What would those disused regions do then? Remain on pause, perhaps disappear? People use each and every one of the brain areas because this organ is sophisticatedly interconnected. The simple act of reading, analyzing what we read and then rambling about it to make a certain decision already makes our two hemispheres participate.

However, What is certain is that the functions of the cerebral hemispheres are slightly lateralized. That is, the right hemisphere is mostly concerned with tasks that are its own. The same goes for the left.

For example, suffering an injury to the latter could cause or be the source of serious problems reading this article and even speaking. The human being has a region specialized in the interpretation of symbols (reading), something unique in our species.

Therefore, it is advisable to leave aside the classic neuromyths and focus on the obvious: We have a highly specialized brain organized into two asymmetrical hemispheres. which, however, work together to allow us to be functional. Let’s dig a little deeper.

Functions of the cerebral hemispheres: characteristics and curiosities

There is a fact that has always attracted the attention of neuroscientists. Why is an organ that functions through interconnection organized into two distinct hemispheres? The Greek doctors of the 3rd century BC. C. had an interesting theory: the right hemisphere was specialized in perception and the left hemisphere in understanding.

Later, Dr. Arthur Wigan, author of the theory of the divided mind, would suggest in 1844 that people should have two brains with a mind in each of them.. This statement was discarded over the years. Later research already shows that there is no separation as such, that it is not correct to see the cerebral hemispheres as two opposite and clearly differentiated areas.

Actually, the two regions contribute to each other to shape each function, process and activity. For example, we cannot think that the left hemisphere is exclusively concerned with the understanding and production of language; In fact, the right hemisphere also participates in these processes.

The same happens with visuospatial abilities, reason and emotion… That is, It is true that each hemisphere is specialized or carries the weight in certain functions, but both work together with absolute precision. Let’s see more data.

What are the cerebral hemispheres?

The cerebral hemispheres make up the largest part of the brain. Both parts are joined by the corpus callosum, a conglomerate of nerve fibers that are responsible for transferring information from one side to the other. Experts tell us that perhaps The basis of our intelligence depends on the degree of connection between both hemispheres.

For example, Something that was seen when analyzing Einstein’s brain was the great interconnectivity of his corpus callosum. That is, a constant flow of information from one area to another could be the fact that explains why some people are brighter than others.

Likewise, there is another important aspect. Each hemisphere is responsible for activity on the opposite side of the body. That is, the left hemisphere is responsible for the movement and activity of the right side and vice versa. For example, one of the consequences of this crossing is that if we suffer an injury to the right area of ​​our brain, the consequences will be evident on the left side of our body.

Functions of the cerebral hemispheres: the right side

We insist once again that The differences between functions of the cerebral hemispheres are not as antagonistic as we think. Both share functions equally and work together constantly. Now, it is true that each of them is more specialized than the other in certain processes.

Let’s see what the characteristics of the right hemisphere are:

He is considered the receiver and identifier of spatial orientation, responsible for the perception of the world in terms of color, shape and place. It is responsible for processing aspects such as whether we can recognize ourselves in the mirror and also recognize other people. This is where those tasks related to making decisions are carried out. awareness of ourselves.Scientists define it as an integrating hemisphere because it is responsible for coordinating and shaping a multitude of processes. Among them is the ability to experience sensations, feelings, the ability to speak and pronounce words correctly and orderly (prosody). One of the most interesting functions of the cerebral hemispheres is the ability to create music, enjoy it and also carry out artistic tasks. All these realities “recruit” a greater number of neurons in the right hemisphere. Their way of processing information is holistic. That is, when faced with a problem you have a broader and more integrated vision of things.

Functions of the left hemisphere

As we have already pointed out, one of the characteristics that defines the left hemisphere is the ability to process letters and words to give them meaning. This, which may seem simple, actually includes processes that differentiate us from other animal species. We talk about the latest in terms of evolution. All of this is located in the left area.

Thanks to this ability, we have managed to communicate, read, write, reason mathematically and also logically. Likewise, this area of ​​the brain is capable of solve a problem by breaking it down into smaller parts to be able to analyze each part, each process. It is more analytical and rational. On the other hand, It is also responsible for integrating and processing the concept of time. Thanks to this area we order events and experiences in temporal sequences.

To conclude, as we can see The topic of the functions of the cerebral hemispheres is as interesting as it is revealing.. However, let’s remember to put aside the classic neuromyths: no one uses one side more than the other. We all use our brains equally in every moment, in every felt experience and plan devised through our imagination.

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