“The theory is that people are either left-brained or right-brained, meaning that one side of their brain is dominant. If you’re mostly analytical and methodical in your thinking, you’re said to be left-brained. If you tend to be more creative or artistic, you’re thought to be right-brained.”

healthline.com

If you would split the brain right down the middle into two symmetrical, or equal parts, you would have a right and left hemisphere. Although equal in size, these two sides are not the same, and do not carry out the same functions.  The left side of the brain is responsible for controlling the right side of the body. It also performs tasks that have to do with logic, such as in science and mathematics. On the other hand, the right hemisphere coordinates the left side of the body, and performs tasks that have do with creativity and the arts. Both hemispheres are connected by the corpus callosum and serve the body in different ways .

Have you ever heard of the left or right brain theory?

 According to the theory of left-brain or right-brain dominance, each side of the brain controls different types of thinking. Additionally, people are said to prefer one type of thinking over the other. For example, a person who is “left-brained” is often said to be more logical, analytical, and objective, while a person who is “right-brained” is said to be more intuitive, thoughtful, and subjective.

In psychology, the theory is based on what is known as the lateralization of brain function. So does one side of the brain really control specific functions? Are people either left-brained or right-brained? Like many popular psychology myths, this one grew out of observations about the human brain that were then dramatically distorted and exaggerated.

The right brain-left brain theory originated in the work of Roger W. Sperry, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1981. While studying the effects of epilepsy, Sperry discovered that cutting the corpus collosum (the structure that connects the two hemispheres of the brain) could reduce or eliminate seizures.

However, these patients also experienced other symptoms after the communication pathway between the two sides of the brain was cut. For example, many split-brain patients found themselves unable to name objects that were processed by the right side of the brain, but were able to name objects that were processed by the left-side of the brain. Based on this information, Sperry suggested that language was controlled by the left-side of the brain.

Later research has shown that the brain is not nearly as dichotomous as once thought. For example, recent research has shown that abilities in subjects such as math are actually strongest when both halves of the brain work together. Today, neuroscientists know that the two sides of the brain work together to perform a wide variety of tasks and that the two hemispheres communicate through the corpus collosum.

Researchers have demonstrated that right-brain/left-brain theory is a myth, yet its popularity persists. Why? Unfortunately many people are likely unaware that the theory is outdated. Today, students might continue to learn about the theory as a point of historical interest – to understand how our ideas about how the brain works have evolved and changed over time as researchers have learned more about how the brain operates.

Remember though its true that the right and left side of the brain have different functions in our thinking process!

The brain is a very fascinating yet a complicated organ that basically is like the computer of the human body.  It is like the hard drive for our entire body, which stores information.  It is also the motherboard of our body since the brain allows messages to cross over from one system to another.  Lastly, the brain also is a processor where it controls the speed of how slow or quick our pulse beats, to our breathing,  to our running, to our voiding, etc.  Ending line it decides how quick or slow we do activities of daily living inside and outside of the body.

The cerebellum –  The cerebellum is one of the most identifiable parts of the brain due to its unique shape and location. It is extremely important for being able to perform everyday voluntary (done with purpose and intent) tasks such as walking and writing. It is also essential to being able to stay balanced and upright. Patients who have suffered from damaged cerebellums often struggle with keeping their balance and maintaining proper muscle coordination.

THE BRAIN STEM: Often the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata are referred to together as the brainstem (Anatomy top & below with pons).

The brainstem is the region of the brain that connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord. It consists of 3 parts being the midbrain, medulla oblongata, and the pons.   Overall the midbrain has many functions for such a small organ part of the brain.  The motor and sensory neurons travel through the brainstem allowing for the relay of signals between the brain and the spinal cord. The brainstem coordinates motor control signals sent from the brain to the body. The brainstem also controls life supporting autonomic functions through the autonomic nervous system that is a sub-division of the peripheral nervous system.  The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is the part of the nervous system that consists of the nerves and ganglia outside of the brain and spinal cord.  The main function of the PNS is to connect the central nervous system (CNS) to the limbs and organs, essentially serving as a communication relay or sending messages going back and forth between the brain and the extremities.   The peripheral nervous system is divided into the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.  The autonomic nervous system influences the function of internal organs.  The autonomic nervous system is a control system that acts largely unconsciously in regulating bodily functions such as the heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, urination, and even sexual arousal at times but to do these functions messages have to reach the brain which send messages back to areas of the body do these bodily functions and this is where the brain stem comes in sending messages to the brain and the relay back out through the peripheral nervous system=autonomic nervous system and  also through the spinal cord.  The stem has a function also with alertness.

The midbrain also called the mesencephalon is the portion of the brainstem that connects the hindbrain and the forebrain.  Its function is for controlling responses to sight.

The medulla oblongata is easily the most important part of the brain. It’s functions are involuntary, or done without thought.  This where those unconscious actions of our body comes into play that where mentioned above.  We would not be able to live without the medulla because of the myriad of crucial tasks it performs including pulse, regulating blood pressure and breathing. As a part of the brain stem, it also helps transfer neural messages from the brain to the spinal cord.

The pons serves as a message station between several areas of the brain. It helps relay messages from the cortex and the cerebellum. Without the pons, the brain would not be able to function because messages would not be able to be transmitted, or passed along. It also plays a key role in sleep and dreaming, where REM sleep, or the sleeping state where dreaming is most likely to occur, has been proven to originate here, in the pons.

Tune in Friday for the last part of how the brain works Part 3 covering the functions of the brain on the right and left side with more.