What are the cerebral hemispheres?
The cerebral hemispheres are defined as the two halves of thebrain, which are connected to each other by a structure called the “corpus callosum”, and which are made up of hundreds of nerve fibers.
Between them there is communication and transference, having a relationship between them and with our whole body in general, coordinating the functions and movements for their correct execution.
Characteristics of the cerebral hemispheres
The hemispheres have certain elements and functions that characterize them for their understanding. These will be mentioned below.
They constitute the large structures of the brain
The brain is responsible for almost all the functional structures of our body, and the hemispheres are those that designate and constitute the most important part of it.
In an article on the “Brain and nervous system” of theSan Diego Hospital Organizationthey mention that it is among the substructures of the brain, the telencephalon in accuracy that is divided into the two hemispheres to give way to their respective logical or creative functionalities, respectively.
They are divided by a sagittal fissure.
The interhemispheric or intracerebral fissure is precisely the one that is responsible for dividing the brain into the two hemispheres and allows us to recognize that through their location both look at each other through what would be their central or interhemispheric faces.
They communicate with each other through the corpus callosum.
The corpus callosum is in charge of communication between the cerebral hemispheres, allowing them to work in a complementary way.
It is located precisely in the interhemispheric fissure, which we mentioned previously, and its non-existence causes problems in the individual by failing to transfer information and then working as if there were two brains.
They are inverse and asymmetric
They are structurally and functionally reversed. The asymmetry derives from the meaning that the two hemispheres do not have the same proportions, but an extreme variation becomes a pathology known asBrain asymmetry that is disproportionate.
They depend on each other
The communication and connection they have is essential for a correct balance that allows the relationship between the elements they perceive, although each of the halves has its way of perceiving the environment and processing knowledge.
Each has specific functions
Regardless of their interrelationship and the importance of their connections, it has been determined that each of the hemispheres is in charge of certain specific functions.
The right hemisphere is characterized by having dominance over non-verbal languages: memory, conceptualization, objectivity, spontaneity, emotional and thinking behavior.
For its part, the left hemisphere is apparently the most complex, in charge of man’s linguistic abilities, analysis, reasoning, and involves numerical aspects and symbology.
Functions of the right hemisphere
Next we will delve with greater emphasis on the functions corresponding to the right hemisphere, in order to identify and recognize them with greater capacity and specificity.
Non-verbal expressions
In the right cerebral hemisphere, the domain is non-verbal language, so it does not focus on controlling these types of aspects in communication, but elements such as recognition, memory of voices, smells, faces.
Think and remember, but do not emit. It is just like a metaphorical reference that talks about how the right hemisphere processes information and images like a movie without sound.”
Spatial Orientation
Spatial perception and orientation are part of the domains of the right hemisphere. In an article inContemporary Neurosurgery , he is described as a receptor and identifier of spaces and distances, also taking charge of the way in which we process objects, colors, shapes and places.
Emotional behavior
They regulateemotionsand behavioral responses, which influence the ability to perceive, process and express feelings.
In an article from the Journal of the University of Mexico , they explain how emotional reactivity and the immediate understanding of the same is due to the identification of processes that occur in the right hemisphere.
Intuition
The right hemisphere of the brain is defined by creative, intuitive and innovative thinking. It is a way of recognizing and identifying the important approaches that this area of the brain has, where the capacity for receptivity to the outside world stands out.
Recognition of various types of information
As we previously mentioned, this hemisphere of the brain is receptive and processing of images, smells, colors, shapes, and this is the way in which the brain is in charge of relating and storing.
It integrates all this type of information and executes it, depending on the stimulus time that the message entails.
Artistic and musical skills
Over time, much emphasis has been placed on the fact that the right hemisphere, being the intuitive and sensational hemisphere, is related to artistic abilities. All special abilities are attributed to him, especially if they refer to visual, creative and emotional ones.
In a work carried out on The artistic experience and the right side of the brain , it is mentioned that due to the emphasis on the high domain of the left hemisphere, studies began by which are the functions that are addressed in the right, which allowed the discovery of the different learning processes and experiences in each individual.
Added to this, the connections incorporate in their elements the wide use of the right hemisphere in creative edges where the similar qualities and special faculties of the individual are recognized.
left hemisphere functions
As we just mentioned, the arduous activity of the left hemisphere stands out in everything that encompasses the activities and processes of the organism. These functions will be mentioned and described below.
Oral expression
The left hemisphere is much more linked to verbal language, with the use and mastery of signs, numbers, letters, words, the capacity for descriptions and definitions. This hemisphere is in charge of oral expression and the individual’s abilities to use verbalized language.
In a research article on The Brain and Language , it is explained in detail that the components of language come from the left hemisphere, and this is confirmed in the neural bases of these indispensable and daily but superior functions.
Language Comprehension
As we previously mentioned, the base of language, covering all its aspects, up to its comprehension, are located in the left hemisphere of the brain.
Not only is the focus seen in the productive part, but it plays a role in the comprehension of sentences, words, etc. There are also other components of the brain that interact in this process and allow the functional execution of language.
Analysis and logical reasoning
The left hemisphere, being in charge of processing information, including numerical, is that of logical and critical reasoning, having a specialty in this type of functions, inducing verbal ones and their own actions.
Mathematical Information
As we previously mentioned, the left hemisphere is the one that focuses on numerical, critical processing and is capable of solving and detailing mathematical information. He is the dominant in this capacity along with logic and analytics.
Focused attention
The left hemisphere has the ability to focus attention on an element of interest, avoiding dispersion between the activities, abilities and qualities of the individual. It is a selective attention and that allows directing the focus towards a specific task.
In the words of Cognifit it is also the ability to respond to a specific stimulus by inhibiting distractions.
Time control
It is the ability to analyze the passing time, its perception and coordination.
Decision making
The ability to develop criteria and analysis is what allows the individual to make decisions. Logical reasoning is also one of the essential elements to carry out the action, and this takes place in the left hemisphere.
Long term memory
In a research work on the functional Neuroanatomy of memory , the left hemisphere as a physiological fact allows the conservation of information and its ability to be evoked.
Storage is done in this hemisphere and it is a type of memory that is considered inactive or secondary, thanks to being the one that stores memories or information in people for indeterminate times, from two months to even ten years or more.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.