The left hemisphere of the brain is responsible for what? How to develop the left hemisphere of the brain?

basic information

At the very beginning, it is worth saying that the human brain consists of two hemispheres - the right and left. These parts are separated by the cerebral cortex, but information exchange occurs through the so-called corpus callosum. To illustrate the work of both hemispheres, we can draw a fairly simple analogy with a computer. So, in this case, the left side of the brain is responsible for sequential execution of tasks, i.e. it is the main processor. The right hemisphere can perform several tasks simultaneously, and it can be compared to an additional processor that is not the master.

Structural neuroplasticity: a developmental constant

Structural neuroplasticity is associated with declarative memory. Every time we access familiar information, the synapses between our nerve cells change: they become stabilized, strengthened, or erased. This happens in the cerebellum, amygdala, hippocampus and cerebral cortex of every person every second. The “receivers” of information on the surface of neurons—the so-called dendritic spines—grow to absorb more information. Moreover, if the growth process starts in one spine, the neighboring ones immediately willingly follow its example. The postsynaptic condensation, a dense zone found at some synapses, produces more than 1,000 proteins that help regulate the exchange of information at the chemical level. Many different molecules circulate across synapses, the action of which allows them not to disintegrate. All these processes go on constantly, so from a chemical point of view, our head looks like a metropolis permeated with transport networks, which is always on the move.

The work of the hemispheres

In short, the left hemisphere of the brain is responsible for analysis and logic, while the right hemisphere is responsible for images, dreams, fantasies, and intuition. In each person, both parts of this organ should function evenly, however, one of the hemispheres will always work more actively, and the other as an auxiliary element. From this we can draw a simple conclusion that creative individuals have a more developed right hemisphere of their brain, while business people have a more developed left hemisphere. Let's take a closer look at what functions the left hemisphere of the brain performs.

What if your child is right-brain dominant?

Scientists have proven that children with a strong left hemisphere love structure, focus on details, love organization and logic. They can easily express their feelings and thoughts in words. Memorization comes easily to them, and left-brain dominant students tend to learn best through repetition. These children work efficiently using a step-by-step approach, enjoy working independently, have a good sense of time, and are objective.

Writing and spelling tend to come easily to these students, and they tend to learn well “by instruction.” Arithmetic, with its logical sequential steps, is also a subject in which left-brain dominant children often excel, although conceptual math subjects such as geometry or chemistry may be more difficult for them. Children with a strong left brain tend to benefit from auditory learning and often demonstrate academic ability early.

On the other hand, right-brain oriented students have visual abilities. They focus on holistic concepts rather than details and tend to be unstructured and impulsive and creative. They often demonstrate mastery of art or music. These children do not like to work independently; They learn best through discussion, interaction, collaboration and active participation in what they are learning.

Right-brain dominant children think in pictures rather than words, typically have a good sense of spatial orientation (but a poor sense of time), and are attuned to emotions. These children prefer the main idea to the details and often learn in spurts rather than in a consistent sequence. Right-brain oriented learners often reach conclusions intuitively without knowing what steps they took to arrive at the answer, and often prefer a visual or kinesthetic learning style. Children with a right-brain orientation are often “late bloomers” academically.

About people

What can be generally said about people whose left hemisphere of the brain is more active and developed? Thus, such individuals are organized, they love order, and always comply with all deadlines and schedules. They easily perceive information by ear and almost always reach their goal, since their actions are subject to common sense, and not to impulses of the soul. However, it cannot be said about such individuals that art is alien to them. Not at all, but in creative activity these people will choose what has form and meaning, abandoning abstraction and understatement.

How can you use this information to help your child?

If a child has a weak right hemisphere, he may be socially immature and have little interest in sports or outdoor activities. Instead of forcing your child to take karate and ballet classes, help him develop his super powers. Send your child to a STEM school, take programming courses, buy him supporting literature on physics, biology, or even a foreign language.

Scientists involved in brain neuroplasticity recommend that parents do not strive for “absolute brain balance.” (For example, trying to compensate for a love of science with sports endeavors.) Development of your child’s abilities, if it does not have clinical prerequisites (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Processing Disorders (APD), Visual, Sensory Disorders (SPD), Learning Disorders (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia) do not require outside intervention.

Working with the left hemisphere can help a child with a predisposition to art, as well as a child who loves physics. Moreover, the development of the left hemisphere eliminates problems of concentration and distracted attention, regardless of which hemisphere is dominant. Our team is ready to help you. Take a second to fill out our form.

About development

People are often interested in the question of how to develop the left hemisphere of the brain. It is worth saying that this can be done. It’s enough just to periodically train your “computer”. So, the following exercises may be useful for this:

1. Physical activity on the body is closely related to brain function. If you spend more time developing the right half of the body, the left hemisphere of the brain will work more actively.
2. Since the left hemisphere of the brain is responsible for logic and solving mathematical problems, you need to devote more time to this activity. You need to start with simpler mathematical exercises, gradually raising the bar. The activity of this hemisphere will undoubtedly lead to its further development.
3. A fairly simple tip on how to develop the left hemisphere of the brain is to solve crossword puzzles. In this case, a person most often acts analytically. And this leads to the activation of the left half of the brain.
4. And, of course, you can select specialized tests developed by psychologists that help activate and develop the desired hemisphere of the human brain.

FEATURES OF FUNCTIONING OF THE LEFT AND RIGHT HEMISPHERES OF THE BRAIN

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM – PHYSIOLOGICAL BASIS OF THE PSYCHE

4. FEATURES OF FUNCTIONING OF THE LEFT AND RIGHT HEMISPHERES OF THE BRAIN

Usually the brain works as a single whole, although its left and right hemispheres are functionally ambiguous and do not perform the same integral functions. In most cases, the left hemisphere is responsible for abstract verbal thinking and speech. What is usually associated with consciousness, the transfer of knowledge in verbal form, belongs to the left hemisphere. If the left hemisphere is dominant in a given person, then the person is “right-handed” (the left hemisphere controls the right half of the body). The dominance of the left hemisphere can influence the formation of certain features of the control of mental functions. Thus, a “left-hemisphere” person gravitates toward theory, has a large vocabulary, and is characterized by high motor activity, determination, and the ability to predict events.

The right hemisphere plays a leading role in operating with images (imaginative thinking), non-verbal signals and, unlike the left, perceives the whole world, phenomena, objects as a whole, without breaking them into parts. This makes it possible to better solve discrimination problems. A “right-hemisphere” person gravitates towards specific types of activities, is slow and taciturn, and is endowed with the ability to subtly feel and experience.

Anatomically and functionally, the cerebral hemispheres are closely interconnected. The right hemisphere processes incoming information faster, evaluates it, and transmits its visual-spatial analysis to the left hemisphere, where the final higher analysis and awareness of this information occurs. In a person's brain, information, as a rule, has a certain emotional connotation, in which the right hemisphere plays the main role.

5. FUNDAMENTALS OF MENTAL HEALTH

A low probability of need satisfaction usually leads to the emergence of negative emotions, while an increase in the probability leads to positive emotions. It follows from this that emotions perform a very important function of assessing an event, an object, or irritation in general. In addition, emotions are regulators of behavior, since their mechanisms are aimed at strengthening the active state of the brain (in the case of positive emotions) or weakening it (in the case of negative ones). And finally, emotions play a reinforcing role in the formation of conditioned reflexes, and positive emotions play a leading role in this. A negative assessment of any impact on a person or his psyche can cause a general systemic reaction of the body - emotional stress (tension).

Emotional stress is triggered by stress factors. These include influences and situations that the brain evaluates as negative if there is no way to defend against them or get rid of them. Thus, the cause of emotional stress is the attitude towards the corresponding impact. The nature of the reaction therefore depends on the person’s personal attitude to the situation, the impact and, consequently, on his typological, individual characteristics, characteristics of awareness of socially significant signals or complexes of signals (conflict situations, social or economic uncertainty, expectation of something unpleasant, etc. .).

Due to social motives of behavior in modern people, the so-called emotional stress caused by psychogenic factors, such as conflict relationships between people (in a team, on the street, in the family), has become widespread. Suffice it to say that such a serious illness as myocardial infarction is caused by a conflict situation in 7 out of 10 cases.

However, if a stressful situation lasts for a very long time or the stress factor turns out to be very powerful, then the body’s adaptive mechanisms are exhausted. This is the stage of “exhaustion”, when performance decreases, immunity drops, and stomach and intestinal ulcers form. Therefore, this stage of stress is pathological and is referred to as distress.

For modern people, the most important stress factors are emotional. Modern life in all its manifestations very often evokes negative emotions in a person. The brain is constantly overstimulated, and tension accumulates. If a person performs delicate work or is engaged in mental work, emotional stress, especially long-term, can disorganize his activities. Therefore, emotions become a very important factor in healthy human living conditions.

Stress or its undesirable consequences could be reduced by physical activity, which optimizes the relationship between various autonomic systems and is an adequate “application” of stress mechanisms.

Movement is the final stage of any brain activity. Due to the systemic organization of the human body, movement is closely associated with the activity of internal organs. This coupling is largely mediated through the brain. Therefore, the exclusion of such a natural biological component as movement has a noticeable effect on the state of the nervous system - the normal course of the processes of excitation and inhibition is disrupted, and excitation begins to predominate. Since during emotional stress the excitation in the central nervous system reaches great strength and does not find an “exit” in movement, it disorganizes the normal functioning of the brain and the course of mental processes. In addition, an excess amount of hormones appears, which cause metabolic changes that are appropriate only with a high level of physical activity.

As already noted, the physical activity of a modern person is not sufficient to relieve tension (stress) or its consequences. As a result, tension accumulates, and a small negative impact is enough for a mental breakdown to occur. At the same time, a large amount of adrenal hormones are released into the blood, increasing metabolism and activating the work of organs and systems. Since the reserve of functional strength of the body, and especially the heart and blood vessels, is reduced (they are poorly trained), some people develop severe disorders of the cardiovascular and other systems.

Another way to protect yourself from the negative effects of stress is to change your attitude towards the situation. The main thing here is to reduce the significance of a stressful event in a person’s eyes (“it could have been worse”, “it’s not the end of the world”, etc.). In fact, this method allows you to create a new dominant focus of excitation in the brain, which will slow down the stressful one.

A special type of emotional stress is informational. Scientific and technological progress in which we live causes a lot of changes around a person and has a powerful impact on him that surpasses any other environmental influence. Progress has changed the information environment and given rise to an information boom. As already noted, the amount of information accumulated by humanity approximately doubles every decade, which means that each generation needs to assimilate a significantly larger amount of information than the previous one. However, the brain does not change, nor does the number of cells of which it consists increase. That is why, in order to assimilate an increased amount of information, in particular in the field of education, it is necessary to either increase the duration of training or intensify this process. Since it is quite difficult to increase the duration of training, including for economic reasons, it remains to increase its intensity. However, in this case there is a natural fear of information overload. In themselves, they do not pose a threat to the psyche, since the brain has enormous capabilities for processing large amounts of information and protecting against its excess. But if the time needed to process it is limited, this causes severe neuropsychic stress - information stress. In other words, unwanted tension occurs when the speed of information entering the brain does not correspond to the biological and social capabilities of a person.

The most unpleasant thing is that in addition to the factors of volume of information and lack of time, a third one is added - motivational: if the demands on the child from parents, society, and teachers are high, then the brain’s self-defense mechanisms do not work (for example, avoidance of studying) and, as a result, information overload occurs. At the same time, diligent children experience special difficulties (for example, a first-grader, when performing a test, has a mental state that corresponds to the state of an astronaut during the takeoff of a spacecraft).

No less information overload is created by various types of professional activities (for example, an air traffic controller must sometimes simultaneously control up to 17 aircraft, a teacher must control up to 40 individually different students, etc.).

CONCLUSION

The processes on the basis of which the central nervous system, which determines the human psyche, functions are quite complex. Its study continues to this day. This work described only the basic mechanisms on which the work of the brain, and, therefore, the psyche, is based.

Individual characteristics of the psyche are determined by the characteristics of internal mechanisms that determine the factors that explain a person’s behavioral characteristics, his endurance, performance, perception, thinking, etc. One of these factors is the dominance of one of the brain hemispheres - left or right.

Emotion is usually defined as a special type of mental processes that express a person’s experience of his relationship to the world around him and himself. The peculiarity of emotions is that, depending on the needs of the subject, they directly assess the significance of objects and situations acting on the individual. Emotions serve as a connection between reality and needs.

Based on all of the above, we can conclude that a person’s general health also largely depends on mental health, that is, on how well the brain functions.

It should be noted that numerous circumstances of modern life lead to excessively strong psycho-emotional stress in a person, causing negative reactions and conditions leading to disruptions of normal mental activity.

One of the factors that helps deal with stressful situations is sufficient physical activity, which reduces the level of negative effects of stress that affect the psyche. However, the most important solution to this problem is to change the “attitude” of the person himself towards a negative situation.

Bibliography

1. Martsinkovskaya T.D. History of psychology: Textbook. aid for students higher textbook establishments. - M.: Publishing House, 2001

2. Watson J.B. Psychology as a science of behavior. – M., 2000

3. Pidkasisty P.I., Potnov M.L. The art of teaching. Second edition. Teacher's first book. – M.: Pedagogical Society of Russia, 2001. – 212 p.

4. Abramova G.S. Practical psychology: Textbook for university students. — Ed. 6th, revised and additional - M.: Academic Project, 2001. - 480 p.

5. Elizarov A.N. Features of psychological counseling as an independent method of psychological assistance // Bulletin of psychosocial and correctional rehabilitation work. Magazine. - 2000. - No. 3. — P. 11 — 17

6. Nemov R.S. Psychology: Textbook for students of higher pedagogical educational institutions: In 3 books. 3rd edition. — M.: Humanite. ed. VLADOS center, 2000. - 632 p.

7. Aleynikova T.V. Possible model representations of the psychophysiological construct of personality (conceptual model) // Valeology, 2000, No. 4, p. 14-15

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM – PHYSIOLOGICAL BASIS OF THE PSYCHE

Information about the work “Physiological foundations of the human psyche and health”

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Harmonious work

It should also be mentioned that both hemispheres of the brain need to be developed simultaneously. After all, only a diversified person is talented, more competitive in the labor market and unique in his capabilities. Moreover, there are people who are called ambidextrous. Both hemispheres of their brain are equally developed. They can perform all actions equally well with both their right and left hands. Such people do not have a pronounced, leading hemisphere; both parts of the brain are involved in the work equally. This state can be achieved through hard work and training.

Cause of pain

It happens that a person’s left hemisphere of the brain hurts. Why is this happening? The most common cause is migraine. In this case, the pain is localized precisely on the left side of the head. The duration of this condition also varies – from several hours to a couple of days. Among the main causes of this condition, scientists identify the following:

1. Physical fatigue.
2. Stress.
3. Heat and dehydration.
4. Tension of the falciform septum of the brain.
5. Diseases of the trigeminal nerve, its inflammation.
6. Insomnia.

However, if a person periodically has pain in the left hemisphere of the brain, it is still worth seeking medical advice. After all, this symptom is not always harmless. Often, headaches in a certain part of the head indicate tumors, thrombosis or other serious problems that can threaten not only the health, but also the life of the patient.

The structure of the cerebral hemispheres

The surface of the terminal part of the central nervous system is covered by the cortex, which occupies about 44% of the volume of the cerebral hemispheres. The area of ​​this structure in an ordinary person is approximately 2200 cm², and most of it lies in the deep grooves or, as they are also called, the cerebral convolutions. Due to the presence of grooves and convolutions, the area of ​​the cortex increases significantly.

The size and shape of the convolutions depend on the individual characteristics of a person - as is known, the brains of different people and even the hemispheres of one individual are visually different from each other. This phenomenon among experts is called “functional asymmetry of the cerebral hemispheres.”

According to observations, this feature affects the human psyche: for example, some people find it easier to study the exact sciences, while others use a more creative approach when solving pressing problems.

In the cortex, preparation for conscious movements occurs, speech is formed, thinking occurs, and the most significant information is memorized. It is also responsible for conditioned reflexes - acquired responses of the body to change.

The cortex is formed from a collection of cell bodies of neurons that form its layers. With their help, the cerebral hemispheres carry out their functions. The number of layers of bark in different areas is not equal: depending on the location of the zone and its type, there can be from 2 to 6.

Experts distinguish 4 types of surfaces in the cortex: ancient (paleocortex), old (archicortex), new (neocortex) and intermediate cortex, which consists of intermediate ancient and intermediate old cortex.

According to recent estimates, the number of cortical neurons varies between 10-14 billion units. They are connected to each other using synapses - special connections that allow you to instantly transmit impulses from one neuron to another. Signal transmission through the synapse occurs chemically with the help of active chemical elements or electrically through the passage of ions.

Under the cortex is white matter. It is formed by a cluster of axon bundles of cortical neurons, which are covered with myelin. The chemical structure of the membrane of nerve cell processes allows impulses to be transmitted between neurons 5-10 times faster than through unmyelinated connections.

Below the white matter, in the trunk there are centers of unconscious reflexes and controlling structures of internal organs and organ systems.

Hemisphere areas

The entire surface of the cerebral cortex is conventionally divided into several zones. Each of them performs specific functions. The boundaries of the zones are indicated by the most prominent convolutions.

Zones are not separate areas of the brain in which only specific mental and physiological processes occur, since they constantly interact with each other, which is confirmed by numerous studies in the field of psyche.

Topographically, the following areas of the cerebral cortex are distinguished:

• Occipital. Responsible for the perception and storage of data received from the organs of vision.
• Temporal. Its functions are based on the perception, analysis and reproduction of speech and sounds, the concept of auditory information, and data coming from the organs of taste and smell. Participates in memorizing information, namely accumulates it.
• Parietal lobe of the PD brain. The functional centers of the environmental analyzer are located in this area. It is responsible for the location of body parts in space.
• Frontal. It is the largest area through which the brain performs the following functions:

1. movement and regulation of directed actions;
2. letter;
3. speech, namely the pronunciation of individual sounds, timbre, intonation;
4. programming complex behavioral reactions, decision making, planning, analysis of the results obtained, as well as spontaneous behavior;
5. The frontal zone contains the olfactory nerve center.

Thus, all zones: parietal, occipital, frontal and temporal, are involved in the perception of information from the environment, and also determine human behavior during the most significant changes.

Some areas can perform several functions at once. This becomes especially noticeable when the corresponding areas of the brain are damaged as a result of TBI - over time, their function is partially restored, as neighboring ones take over the work of the lost centers.

Hemorrhagic stroke

Hemorrhagic stroke is intracerebral hemorrhage. What happens to a person in this case? What consequences can a hemorrhage in the left hemisphere of the brain have?

1. Movement disorders. If the hemorrhage occurs on the left side of the brain, the right side of the patient's body will be affected first. Difficulties may arise when walking and coordinating. Unilateral movement disorders are medically called hemiparesis.
2. Speech impairment. As mentioned above, it is the left hemisphere of the brain that is responsible for the perception of symbols and numbers, as well as reading and writing. When a hemorrhage occurs in this particular part of the brain, a person begins to have difficulty not only speaking, but also perceiving the words of others. There are also problems with writing and reading.
3. Processing information. In case of hemorrhage on the left side of the head, a person stops thinking logically and processing information. Understanding becomes inhibited.
4. Other symptoms not related to the activity of the left hemisphere. These may be pain, psychological disorders (irritability, depression, mood swings), problems with bowel movements and urination.

Disability after hemorrhage is high and accounts for approximately 75% of all cases. If the cause of this problem is not determined in time, repeated hemorrhage is possible, which can even lead to the death of the patient.

Switching off the left hemisphere

Sometimes people wonder how to turn off the left hemisphere of the brain, is it even possible to do this? The answer is simple: you can. Moreover, every person does this every day when going to bed. During sleep, it is the right hemisphere that is activated, and the left one attenuates. If we talk about the period of wakefulness, then the left hemisphere is always at work and helps people think logically and analyze the information received. It is worth saying that it is impossible to completely turn off the work of the left hemisphere during its active activity (without the intervention of special tools and psychiatrists). And there is no need to do this at all. It is best to establish a balance between the right and left hemispheres, which will make the life of an individual better and better.

Children with a weak right hemisphere at school

Parents aren't the only people who may notice left-brain dominance patterns in children. Teachers also often notice characteristics based on how left-brained children behave in school. The good news is that according to Psychology Today, schools typically cater to children with weak right brains because most classes require strong analytical skills. Children with weak right-brain characteristics tend to excel in:

• Science
• Mathematics
• Reading
• Memorization
• Setting goals

Many of these children prefer to study alone, so make sure your child has a quiet place to do homework. Also, since many children with right-brain weakness tend to do well with lists, give your child the opportunity to make as many lists as possible by providing a board, paper, and writing utensils. Not only will your child be grateful for the help, but they will also likely be successful at school and at home.

Simple exercises

Having figured out why the left hemisphere of the brain hurts and what it is responsible for, you need to give an example of several simple exercises that will help train a person’s brain evenly.

1. You need to sit comfortably and concentrate on one point. After a minute, you should try to look at those objects that are located to the left of the selected target. You need to see as many details as possible with your peripheral vision. Next, you should examine the items located on the right. If you want to train only the left side of the brain, you need to consider objects that are on the right hand of the selected point.
2. To activate both hemispheres, you need to alternately touch the opposite elbow with your right and left knee. If you perform the exercise slowly, you can also train the vestibular apparatus.
3. To activate both parts of the brain, you just need to massage your ears. This needs to be done from top to bottom. The manipulations need to be done approximately 5 times. If you want to train only the left hemisphere, you should massage the right ear.