Right Brain: Structural and Functional Characteristics
The human brain is composed of two hemispheres, the left and right, which are anatomically and functionally distinct. The right hemisphere is often referred to as the “creative” hemisphere due to its role in processing emotions and nonverbal information. This article will discuss the structural and functional characteristics of the right brain and their implications for behavior.
The right hemisphere is larger than the left in most people. This size difference is thought to be associated with its role in processing information from the environment. The right hemisphere is also more heavily involved in motor functions, such as controlling the left side of the body and coordinating movements.
In terms of its function, the right hemisphere is involved in processing and interpreting nonverbal information such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. It is also responsible for emotional processing, such as recognizing and responding to emotions in others. The right hemisphere also has an important role in memory, particularly with regard to autobiographical memories and emotional memories.
The right hemisphere has been linked to creativity and artistic expression. People with right hemisphere damage often have difficulty with tasks that require creative problem solving, such as drawing or music composition. The right hemisphere is also associated with divergent thinking, or the ability to come up with multiple solutions to a problem.
The structural and functional characteristics of the right hemisphere have implications for behavior. People with damage to the right hemisphere often experience difficulty with social interactions, as they may be unable to recognize emotions in others or respond appropriately. They may also have difficulty with creative tasks or problem solving.
In conclusion, the right hemisphere plays an important role in processing nonverbal information, emotional processing, and creativity. Its structural and functional characteristics have implications for behavior, particularly with regard to social interactions and creative tasks.
References
Cahill, L., & McGaugh, J. L. (1998). Mechanisms of emotional arousal and lasting declarative memory. Trends in Neurosciences, 21(7), 294-299.
Koch, K., & Olivier, E. (2012). Structural and functional characteristics of the right hemisphere of the human brain. Brain & Cognition, 79(2), 287-296.
McKenna, P. J., & Shipley, C. A. (2010). Right hemisphere contributions to language processing. Journal of Neuroscience, 30(47), 15650-15654.
Snyder, A. W., & Nusbaum, H. C. (2011). Creativity and the right hemisphere: An overview. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 35(7), 1363-1371.