The brain is the vital organ of the central nervous system. It is a complex organ consisting of billions of interconnected neurons and glia. The brain has two sides and separated into unique lobes. Each lobe has a specific set of functions.
Although the brain is a complex organ – a hardworking one with a hundred billion neurons, it surprisingly weighs only three pounds. It makes up around 2% of the human weight and only takes up about 20% of the body’s total energy.
The brain, being an intricate organ, performs a lot of functions. The two sides of the brain communicate with one another to perform all vital bodily processes. Both the left and the right side of the brain look very much alike but they too share some differences, especially in processing information.
Lack of integration between the different components of the brain could result in some forms of impairment.
The left brain and right brain theory was created in the 1960s by a psychologist named Roger W. Sperry, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for this research in 1981.
The Left Hemisphere of the Brain
The left side of the brain controls the right side of the body. If the left side of the brain is dominant, the person is logical and more academically inclined. You most likely excel in academics, especially math and science. The left hemisphere of the brain is also called the digital brain. It is the one responsible for the following:
- Verbal
- Analytical
- Order
- Reading
- Writing
- Computations
- Sequencing
- Logic
- Mathematics
- Thinking in words
- Linear thinking
- Visual based languages such as in mute and deaf people
The Right Hemisphere of the Brain
The right side of the brain controls the left side of the body. A right hemisphere dominant person excels in arts. It is visual and intuitive. It is also called the analog brain. It is responsible for the following:
- Creativity
- Imagination
- Intuition
- Holistic thinking
- Arts
- Feelings visualization
- Non-verbal cues
- Rhythm
- Daydreaming
- Emotions
Right brain hemisphere and left brain hemisphere
The left brain hemisphere is needed for rational thinking and logical skills. On the other hand, the right side of the brain is responsible for visualizing and creative activities like design and connecting to others in an emotional way. So, a person who builds the capability to use both hemispheres of the brain has the benefit of being skilled in utilizing both one’s IQ and EQ.
