Our Undivided Brain
The psychological concept of “our divided brain” is based on the structure of the brain. The upper portions of the human brain are divided into two distinct parts namely the left and right hemispheres (Myers 76). The link between the two hemispheres (in a normal person) is referred to as the callosum. It comprises of a bundle of nerves that play a pivotal role in conveying data form one hemisphere to the other. The two hemispheres play different roles as far as the functioning of the body is concerned. In a vast majority of right handed people, the left hemisphere is the one responsible for language capacities. Therefore, the abilities of a right-handed person to produce speech, read and write requires the specialized abilities of the left hemisphere.
On the other hand, the right hemisphere of the brain has visuospatial functions, intentional control, and special role in the control of emotional behaviors among other capacities. According to Myers, the cross communication between the two hemispheres, which is facilitated by the callosum, is very important in the control of the capabilities or rather capacities of the two hemispheres (77). In cases where the callosum has been removed (through surgical procedures), the individual in question exhibits a partial lack of cross-communication between the hemispheres. Normally, the removal of the callosum occurs if one suffers from stroke, tumor or any other illness that hinders the proper functioning of the brain.
Writing is a daily activity that demonstrates the concept of our divided brain. Being a right-handed person, I can actively write using the right hand only. This includes aspects such as the ability to hold a pen properly as well as the ability to ‘construct’ different letters/numbers in the manner that they should appear. Additionally, I am able to write consistently in a linear manner using my right hand only. However, this is not the case with my left hand. I can barely hold a pen with my left hand and put down a given letter-not even a sentence. In most cases, I am not able to have a neat presentation of all the writing I do with my left hand.
The writing experience as explained above depicts the roles of the different hemispheres in their functionality. As aforementioned, the left hemisphere is responsible for the reading and writing capabilities of an individual. The left hemisphere thus controls the articulation of all activities of my right hand. This explains why I am not normally able to produce a good handwriting with my left hand, as is the case with my right hand. Another notable aspect is the interconnectivity of the two hemispheres. For instance, my visual capability, which is a function of my right hemisphere, enables me to note the difference between the neatness of my writing in the two cases. However, even though I am able to see that my left-hand-writing is not neat,
I am unable to make it desirable/neat since the right hand, as directed by the left hemisphere is the one with the ability to do so. Such a practical experience proves that the concept is applicable in explaining the different capacities and capabilities of our body organs (Feinberg, 2002, p. 20). However, the people whose callosum has been removed to enhance their health exhibit different traits of their organs. This is because, even though they might not notice it, they lack the intercommunication between their hemispheres.
References
Myers, David G. Psychology. 10th ed. Holland: Hope College. Print.
