What are the different functions of the two cerebral hemispheres?
Mar 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the two hemispheres of the brain have different functions, including language ability, logic and intuition, motor control, attention tendencies, and emotional processing. The right hemisphere tends to process negative emotions such as sadness, fear, and anger and is more sensitive to emotional changes. The left hemisphere, on the other hand, tends to process positive emotions such as happiness and joy and experiences positive emotions more intensely.
Under normal circumstances, the two hemispheres of the brain have different functions related to language ability, logic and intuition, motor control, attention tendencies, and emotional processing. The specific functions are as follows:
1. Language Ability
The left hemisphere is primarily responsible for understanding grammar, vocabulary, and language usage, such as reading, writing, and learning and memory functions related to language processing. The right hemisphere has an advantage in dealing with nonverbal information such as spatial perception and emotional recognition. Although it does not directly control language production, it contributes to understanding context and tone.
2. Logic and Intuition
The left hemisphere tends toward logic and analysis, processing details and sequences, and performing serial computational thinking, making it suitable for activities such as logical reasoning and mathematical calculations. The right hemisphere favors holistic cognition, excelling at processing images, patterns, and abstract concepts, and demonstrating intuition and creativity.
3. Motor Control
The left hemisphere typically controls movement on the right side of the body, coordinating and issuing movement commands for the right limbs. The right hemisphere controls movement on the left side of the body, similarly coordinating and initiating movement commands for the left limbs. This cross-control mechanism helps maintain bodily balance and coordination.
4. Attention Tendency
The left hemisphere more easily focuses attention and performs detailed analysis, processing detailed information, making it suitable for tasks requiring high concentration and precision. The right hemisphere tends to gather information broadly while emphasizing overall comprehension and perception, making it suitable for tasks requiring a global perspective and creativity.
5. Emotional Processing
The right hemisphere of the brain tends to process negative emotions such as sadness, fear, and anger and is more sensitive to emotional changes. The left hemisphere tends to process positive emotions such as happiness and joy and experiences positive emotions more intensely.
The two hemispheres of the brain each have functional specializations and work collaboratively to support complex cognitive and behavioral activities.
