analytic logic and problem solving ability are performed in which area of the brain

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What part of the brain controls analytical thinking?

analytic logic and problem solving ability are performed in which area of the brain

In this article we are going to answer the question ‘’What part of the brain controls analytical thinking?’’ We will discover what part of the brain is responsible for analytical and logical thinking and how it does it.

The left hemisphere controls analytical thinking, in addition, it works together with other regions of the brain such as the cerebellum for this process.

It is well known that the brain consists of two halves or hemispheres connected to each other by an extensive bundle of nerve fibers called the corpus callosum . The left hemisphere manages analytical thinking while the right side is more inclined to intuition. The predominance of one over the other influences our personality and our way of acting.

Cerebral laterality refers to the different functioning of each of the hemispheres of the human brain. But this laterality is not total and both parties share many functions and collaborate and communicate with each other to perform each specific task well.

Analytical thinking is a type of thinking that involves reasoning and reflection on a certain situation or problem. We use it to decide what to do with a specific task or simply to reflect on something general.

It operates through the division of the object of study or problem into smaller parts that can be identified, categorized and analyzed, in order to obtain an answer or an adequate solution to what we want to solve.

When can we use analytical thinking? Practically always; not only when it comes to solving mathematical or scientific problems, but also in everyday life or even in other areas of knowledge. We can use it to make decisions, resolve conflicts, reflect on an issue, understand the nature of a problem, etc.

Thought as a human ability

Before proceeding further, remember that thought is all that activity of the human mind that is obtained thanks to the intellect. That is, it is the product of the process of thinking, or the process of the mind itself. Through thought, we obtain abstractions, reflections …

Cognitive theory, typical of psychology, allows dividing the different types of thinking into: critical, deductive, inductive, creative or lateral, intuitive thinking, etc. One of these types of thinking is the one that concerns us: analytical thinking.

Brain hemispheres: logical and creative

Verbal for the left hemisphere and emotional, visual or spatial for the right hemisphere. According to the left or right brain dominance theory of the brain, each side of the brain controls various types of thinking. Furthermore, people are said to prefer one type of thinking over the other.

For example, a person who is “left brain” is often said to be more logical, analytical, and objective, while a person who is “right-brain” is said to be more intuitive, thoughtful, and subjective.

The left hemisphere is the analytical part. It is the side of the brain that deals with words and numbers, looking for order and explanation for everything. When people have a highly dominant left brain, they have trouble with uncertainty and ambiguity, they like logic and what is 100% correct.

The left hemisphere of the brain is often described as being better at languages, logic, critical thinking, numbers, and reasoning. The left brain is the rational, intellectual one; it is the hemisphere that specializes in processing verbal and numerical information in a deductive or logical way.

This means that the left hemisphere dissects information through analysis and disaggregates the parts of the whole to process the information sequentially in a linear and orderly way.

How is the left hemisphere of the brain structured?

Like its right counterpart, the left hemisphere is anatomically structured in lobes, taking into account half of each of them. These lobes are the frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, and insula.

As we have already mentioned, the corpus callosum , which is a structure with nerve fibers, connects both hemispheres to allow them to communicate. As with the other hemisphere, the left is protected by the following layers:

Main features

Anatomically both hemispheres are very similar. Although, as we have already mentioned, they are not symmetrical, they are very similar. They present both fissures and convolutions and both have the same number of lobes, in addition to being similar in size.

However, they have different attributes. The left hemisphere is known to be the brain structure in charge of the linguistic aspects, in addition to being behind the analytical processing, typical of mathematics. Let’s take a closer look at these features:

1. Symbolic

The left hemisphere is responsible for using symbols to represent both concepts and objects.

Thus, it is this hemisphere that allows us to understand that the symbol ‘+’ means adding something or more to it, or that the symbol ☮️ means peace.

As we have already mentioned, the left hemisphere is the one that is involved in the use of verbalized language.

This means that it is the one behind such everyday and fundamental aspects of human communication as speech, verbal memory, writing and reading.

3. Analytical

When we say that this hemisphere is analytical, we mean that its information processing is done by following steps that follow one another more or less linearly, analyzing each of the details of a given situation or problem.

For this reason, the left hemisphere acquires such great importance in mathematics, in which, in order to reach the solution, it is necessary to identify the steps to follow in order to have the correct answer.

In addition, it is detailed and relatively objective when it comes to analyzing reality, allowing specific observations and formulating a specific thought, suitable for the problem situation.

4. Temporary

Follow the passage of time, that is, order things in temporal sequences. It goes from beginning to end.

5. Rational

The left cerebral hemisphere tends to enhance rational reasoning. That is, it allows abstracting an explanation of reality from reason.

6. Logical and linear

When it is said that the left hemisphere is logical, it means that it establishes causal relationships between different events. Thus, a phenomenon must necessarily be created by a prior or be responsible for a subsequent consequence.

This characteristic, together with the analytical aspect of this hemisphere, acquires great importance in solving mathematical problems.

Regarding the linear aspect, it comes to indicate that the ideas are always linked to each other.

These are the main functions of the left brain hemisphere.

Verbal language and mathematics

Thanks to this, it also plays an important role in speech, writing, mathematical problem solving, numbering and logic.

Other aspects in which this hemisphere is significantly involved are verbal memory, grammar, organization of syntax, phonetic discrimination, planning, decision-making, long-term memory …

Expression and understanding

John Hughlins Jackson , a neurologist, said at the time that the left hemisphere was the center of the power of expression. This means that this hemisphere is in charge of transforming a set of information into something with meaning.

Thus, this hemisphere stores concepts that it will later emit in the form of words, both oral and written, allowing ideas from inside the mind to be transmitted from one person to another through the use of verbal communication.

If there is an embolism that affects this hemisphere, functional losses such as loss of speech can occur, in addition to affecting motor skills on the right side of the body, since the left hemisphere controls that half of the body.

Relationship between both halves of the brain

Although we have commented that each hemisphere has its peculiarities and has its own functions, this does not mean that they are radically different from each other or that they do not carry out activities together.

What must be understood is that there are activities that are carried out mainly by one of the two hemispheres and others in which it is the task of its counterpart.

As a curiosity, the research points out that interhemispheric differences are something distinctive of the human species.

In most people, both hemispheres complement each other. Normally, verbal aspects such as speech are under the control of the left hemisphere; however, there are cases, especially in left-handed people, in which speech is an activity exerted by areas located in both hemispheres.

In addition, it has been seen that, in situations in which a brain injury occurs, there may be changes in the location of certain functions.

This ‘transfer’ of functions is especially significant in childhood, at which time, thanks to brain plasticity, the brain tries to ‘save’ its own capacity from the injured area by making it another area, and it may be from the opposite hemisphere, who becomes position.

FAQS: What part of the brain controls analytical thinking?

What part of the brain analyzes.

Occipital lobe: The lateral boundaries of the parietal and temporal lobes are delimited. It is interested in detecting and manipulating graphics. It processes and interprets what we see. To view and draw assumptions about visual images, the Occipital lobe analyzes factors such as form, colour, and movement.

Which lobes of brain are responsible for mathematical and analytical skills in an individual?

The left hemisphere is responsible for verbal language and linguistic ability, analytical skills, solving mathematical problems, as well as memory and logical and rational thinking. Specifically the temporal lobe, prefrontal region and parietal lobe.

Where does critical thinking happen in the brain?

The Prefrontal Cortex gives us the ability for our thoughts, emotional reactions, and actions to be considered and willingly controlled.

What part of the brain is responsible for rational thinking?

The left hemisphere of the brain is often described as being better at: languages, logic, critical thinking, numbers, and reasoning. The left brain is the rational, intellectual one, it is the hemisphere that specializes in processing verbal and numerical information in a deductive or logical way.

What keeps your brain in place?

Do activities that stimulate brain activity and keep us mentally active, such as reading, writing, memorizing phone numbers, playing board games, doing manual activities, completing crosswords, learning and practicing a new language, etc.

In this article we answered the question ‘’What part of the brain controls analytical thinking?’’ We discovered what part of the brain is responsible for analytical and logical thinking and how it does it.

If you have any questions or comments please let us know!

Anderson, B.; Rutledge, V. (1996). Age and hemisphere effects on dendritic structure. Brain. 119: 1983–1990.

Hutsler, J.; Galuske, R.A.W. (2003). Hemispheric asymmetries in cerebral cortical networks.Trends in Neurosciences. 26 (8): 429–435.

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Core Concepts

Mapping the Brain

The cerebrum, the largest part of the human brain, is associated with higher order functioning, including the control of voluntary behavior. Thinking, perceiving, planning, and understanding language all lie within the cerebrum’s control.

The top image shows the four main sections of the cerebral cortex: the frontal lobe, the parietal lobe, the occipital lobe, and the temporal lobe. Functions such as movement are controlled by the motor cortex, and the sensory cortex receives information on vision, hearing, speech, and other senses. The bottom image shows the location of the brain's major internal structures.

The cerebrum is divided into two hemispheres — the right hemisphere and the left hemisphere. Bridging the two hemispheres is a bundle of fibers called the corpus callosum. The two hemispheres communicate with one another across the corpus callosum.

Covering the outermost layer of the cerebrum is a sheet of tissue called the cerebral cortex. Because of its gray color, the cerebral cortex is often referred to as gray matter. The wrinkled appearance of the human brain also can be attributed to characteristics of the cerebral cortex. More than two-thirds of this layer is folded into grooves. The grooves increase the brain’s surface area, allowing for inclusion of many more neurons.

The function of the cerebral cortex can be understood by dividing it somewhat arbitrarily into zones, much like the geographical arrangement of continents.

The frontal lobe is responsible for initiating and coordinating motor movements; higher cognitive skills, such as problem solving, thinking, planning, and organizing; and for many aspects of personality and emotional makeup.

The parietal lobe is involved with sensory processes, attention, and language. Damage to the right side of the parietal lobe can result in difficulty navigating spaces, even familiar ones. If the left side is injured, the ability to understand spoken and/or written language may be impaired.

The occipital lobe helps process visual information, including recognition of shapes and colors.

The temporal lobe helps process auditory information and integrate information from the other senses. Neuroscientists also believe that the temporal lobe has a role to play in short-term memory through its hippocampal formation, and in learned emotional responses through its amygdala.

All of these structures make up the forebrain. Other key parts of the forebrain include the basal ganglia, which are cerebral nuclei deep in the cerebral cortex; the thalamus; and the hypothalamus. The cerebral nuclei help coordinate muscle movements and reward useful behaviors; the thalamus passes most sensory information on to the cerebral cortex after helping to prioritize it; and the hypothalamus is the control center for appetites, defensive and reproductive behaviors, and sleep-wakefulness.

The midbrain consists of two pairs of small hills called colliculi. These collections of neurons play a critical role in visual and auditory reflexes and in relaying this type of information to the thalamus. The midbrain also has clusters of neurons that regulate activity in widespread parts of the central nervous system and are thought to be important for reward mechanisms and mood.

The hindbrain includes the pons and the medulla oblongata, which control respiration, heart rhythms, and blood glucose levels.

Another part of the hindbrain is the cerebellum which, like the cerebrum, also has two hemispheres. The cerebellum’s two hemispheres help control movement and cognitive processes that require precise timing, and also play an important role in Pavlovian learning.

The spinal cord is the extension of the brain through the vertebral column. It receives sensory information from all parts of the body below the head. It uses this information for reflex responses to pain, for example, and it also relays the sensory information to the brain and its cerebral cortex. In addition, the spinal cord generates nerve impulses in nerves that control the muscles and the viscera, both through reflex activities and through voluntary commands from the cerebrum.

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Parts of the Brain Associated With Thinking Skills

The brain is a remarkable and complex structure responsible for thinking skills. Several parts of the brain work together in a sophisticated manner to integrate information and develop thoughts. The term thinking skills refers to a wide range of processes, including consciously remembering facts and information, solving concrete or abstract problems using known information, and incorporating reasoning, insight or ingenuity.

Prefrontal Cortex

The frontal lobe is the largest region of the brain and it is more advanced in humans than other animals. It is located at the front of the brain and extends backward to constitute approximately one-third of the total volume of the brain. The frontal lobe, particularly the region located furthest to the front called the prefrontal cortex, is involved in sophisticated interpersonal thinking skills and the competence required for emotional well-being. In general, both the left and right sides of the prefrontal cortex are equally involved in social and interactive proficiency.

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Inferior Frontal Gyrus

The inferior frontal gyri are located in the lower back portion of the frontal lobe on each side of the brain. Creativity depends on thinking skills that rely on the use of baseline knowledge combined with innovative thinking. Interaction between the inferior frontal gyrus on the right and left sides of the brain facilitates creative thinking. Most right-handed people have intellectual skills for speaking and understanding language largely concentrated in the left inferior frontal lobe, and cognitive skills for attention control and memory concentrated in the right inferior frontal lobe. Even in left-handed people, speaking and language skills are more commonly concentrated on the left side.

Temporal Lobe

The temporal lobe is involved in many reasoning skills, particularly the elaborate task of reading. It is located behind the frontal lobe on both sides of the brain, near and above the ears. The temporal lobe region that controls reading interacts with brain regions involved in hearing and visual recognition. Hearing and word recognition require the temporal lobe, while visual recognition is primarily based at the back of the brain, in the region called the occipital lobe.

Parietal Lobe

Mathematical and analytical skills require a system of interaction between the temporal lobe, prefrontal region and parietal lobe, which is located near the back of the brain at the top of the head. Skills for algebraic mathematical tasks and calculations are generally concentrated in the left parietal lobe, while skills for geometric perception and manipulation of 3-dimensional figures are determined primarily by the right parietal lobe.

Limbic System

The limbic system is located centrally and deep within the brain. It consists of several small structures called the hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus and hypothalamus. The limbic system is involved in emotional memory and mood control. While the limbic system is involved with feelings, which are often thought of as being spontaneous, the control of feelings and emotions requires high-level cognitive skills and interaction of the limbic system with the other parts of the brain involved in thinking.

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Left Brain vs. Right Brain

Left-brained people are supposed to be logical, analytical, and methodical, while right-brained people are supposed to be creative, disorganized, and artistic. But this left-brain / right-brain theory has been refuted by a large-scale, two-year study by researchers at the University of Utah. In other words, it is untrue that logical people predominantly use the left side of the brain and artistic people predominantly use the right. All people use both halves of the brain. However, the stereotypes associated with being left- or right-brained persist and continue to arouse curiosity.

This comparison explains some myths and facts about the topic and compares what are now only metaphors of left-brained and right-brained personality types.

Comparison chart

The theory of right brain vs. left brain dominance originates with Nobel Prize winning neurobiologist and neuropsychologist Roger Sperry. Sperry discovered that the left hemisphere of the brain usually functions by processing information in rational, logical, sequential, and overall analytical ways. The right hemisphere tends to recognize relationships, integrate and synthesize information, and arrive at intuitive thoughts.

These findings, while true, serve as the basis for the now-disproved theory that people who are logical, analytical and methodical are left-brain dominant, and those who are creative and artistic are right-brain dominant.

A study conducted at the University of Utah has debunked the myth. Neuroscientists analyzed over 1,000 brain scans from people between the ages of seven and 29. The brain scans did not show any evidence that people use one side of the brain more than the other. Essentially, the brain is interconnected, and the two hemispheres support each other in its processes and functions.

Lateralization of Brain Function

The human brain is split into two distinct cerebral hemispheres connected by the corpus callosum. The hemispheres exhibit strong bilateral symmetry regariding structure as well as function. For instance, structurally, the lateral sulcus generally is longer in the left hemisphere than in the right hemisphere, and functionally, Broca's area and Wernicke's area are located in the left cerebral hemisphere for about 95% of right-handers, but about 70% of left-handers. Neuroscientist and Nobel laureate Roger Sperry has contributed significantly to the research of lateralization and split-brain function.

Brain Process and Functions

The left hemisphere of the brain processes information analytically and sequentially. It focuses on the verbal and is responsible for language. It processes from details into a whole picture. The left hemisphere's functions include order and pattern perception as well as creating strategies. The left hemisphere controls the muscles on the right side of the body.

The right hemisphere of the brain processes information intuitively. It focuses on the visual and is responsible for attention. It processes from the whole picture to details. The right hemisphere's functions include spatial perception and seeing possibilities in situations. The right hemisphere controls the muscles on the left side of the body.

Result of Damage

When people sustain an injury or have a stroke that's localized on one side of the brain, they have specific troubles. When the left hemisphere of the brain is damaged, people have difficulty speaking or understanding words either said or written down. They cannot see things on the right side of the body. It affects motor skills (limb apraxia [1] ) and they often move slowly and carefully.

People with damage to the right hemisphere of the brain often have trouble with visual perception and spatial orientation [2] , for example, getting a sense of how far or near an object is in relation to the body. They often neglect the left side of the body, and they're not able to see things on the left. These people are often impulsive and make poor decisions. They also have a short attention span, and their ability to read, process some elements of language [3] or learn new things is slowed down.

Application in WW-II

If a specific region of the brain, or even an entire hemisphere, is either injured or destroyed, its functions can sometimes be assumed by a neighboring region in the ipsilateral hemisphere or a corresponding region in the contralateral hemisphere, depending upon the area damaged and the patient's age.

Michael Gazzaniga , neuroscientist and a protégé of Sperry, talks about the specific case of WJ, a WWII veteran and epileptic patient as a result of war injury. He was the first veteran to undergo experimental split-brain surgery, which was successful. To quote Gazzaniga from his interview :

WJ was the first moment of excitement, he made a slow recovery from surgery, he was about 50 when he was operated on so I remember him visiting Caltech, coming up in a wheelchair in a protective helmet and all kinds of gear. Anyway we rolled him in to our testing room and these were really first days so it was very crude, we had the pipes that sent the water to the various labs and everything were open and exposed in the ceiling and so we literally threw a rope over them and hung this screen that you could back-project on, and then using a little gadget we could flash pictures to one side of a fixation point and accordingly, if you know how the visual system is hooked up, if you flashed it to the left of the fixation point that went exclusively to your right hemisphere, and if you flashed it to the right it went exclusively to your left hemisphere. It's just the way we're wired up.

The Stereotype

People who are analytical and logical and who pay attention to detail are said to be left-brain dominant, i.e., they use the left side of the brain more than the right side. Basic characteristics of left-brain thinking include logic , analysis, sequencing, linear thinking, mathematics, language , facts, thinking in words , remembering song lyrics and computation. When solving problems, left-brained people tend to break things down and make informed, sensible choices. Typical occupations include being a lawyer , judge, or banker.

People who are creative, artistic and open-minded are said to be right-brain dominant, and the right side of their brain is more dominant. Basic characteristics of right-brain thinking include creativity, imagination, holistic thinking, intuition, arts, rhythm, non-verbal, feelings, visualization, recognizing a tune and daydreaming. When solving problems, right-brained people tend to rely on intuition or a "gut reaction." Typical occupations include politics , acting, and athletics.

What's True

What's Not True

Strengths and Difficulties

Left-brained people are supposed to be good at mathematics , reading, spelling, writing, sequencing and verbal and written language. They may have difficulty with abstract visualization.

Right-brained people are supposed to be good at multi-dimensional thinking, art, music , drawing, athletics, coordination and repairs. They remember faces, places and events. However, right-brained people may have difficulty understanding parts if they can't see the whole. They may also struggle with sequencing, organizing a large body of information and remembering names.

Of course, these are stereotypes and any individual can have strengths and weaknesses from either set. There could also be differences in the way the brain processes various categories of cognitive skills. e.g., both left-brained and right-brained people can be good at spelling but how they do it may be different. Left brains memorize the sequence of each letter in a word; right brains memorize the image of the whole word. You might see right brains raise their finger during spelling questions to draw out the word in mid air in front of their face to mentally visualize that whole word.

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Left Brain vs. Right Brain Dominance

Are creative people right-brained and analytical thinkers left-brained?

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Brain Health Tips

Have you ever heard people say that they are more of a right brain vs left brain thinker? From books to television programs, you've probably heard the phrase mentioned numerous times. Or perhaps you've even taken an online test to determine whether you are right-brained or left-brained.

You've probably also spotted at least a few infographics on Pinterest or Facebook claiming to reveal your dominant brain hemisphere. And maybe you have come across a few articles or books suggesting you can unleash the hidden creativity of right-brain thinking or the deductive logic of left-brain thinking.

Imaginative

Left Brain vs Right Brain Traits

People described as left-brain thinkers are told they have strong math and logic skills. On the other hand, those who are described as right-brain thinkers are told that their talents are more on the creative side of things. Here are a few traits of each.

Traits of a Right-Brained Person

According to the left-brain, right-brain dominance theory, the right side of the brain is best at expressive and creative tasks. There are several abilities popularly associated with the right side of the brain. Based on these, a right-brained thinker is good at:

So what are so-called "right-brained people" like? They are often described as being more emotional, intuitive, and creative. They are often described as doing well in careers that involve creative expression and free thinking, such as becoming an artist, psychologist, or writer.

Traits of a Left-Brained Person

The left side of the brain is adept at certain tasks. Characteristics of the left brain include those related to:

Critical thinking

What are "left-brained" people like? They are described as logical, analytical, and orderly. The theory suggests that people who are left-brain dominant do well in careers that involve linear thinking, math, and verbal information. This includes careers such as accountant, scientist, or computer programmer.

Theory of Right Brain vs. Left Brain Dominance

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. A person who is "right-brained" is said to be more intuitive, thoughtful, and subjective.

In psychology , the theory is based on the lateralization of brain function. The brain contains two hemispheres that each perform a number of roles. The two sides of the brain communicate with one another via the corpus callosum.

The left hemisphere controls the muscles on the right side of the body while the right hemisphere controls those on the left. This is why damage to the left side of the brain, for example, might have an effect on the right side of the body.

Click Play to Learn About the Left Brain and the Right Brain

This video has been medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD .

History of Right Brain vs. Left Brain Theory

So does one side of the brain control specific functions? Are people either left-brained or right-brained? Like many popular psychology myths, this one grew out of observations of 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. He studied brain functioning in patients who had their corpus callosum (the structure that connects the two hemispheres of the brain) surgically severed to treat refractory epilepsy.

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.

Generally speaking, the left side of the brain tends to control many aspects of language and logic, while the right side tends to handle spatial information and visual comprehension.

Left Brain vs. Right Brain Research

Later research has shown that the brain is not nearly as dichotomous as once thought. For example, research has shown that abilities in subjects such as math are strongest when both halves of the brain work together.

Today, neuroscientists know that the two sides of the brain collaborate to perform a broad variety of tasks and that the two hemispheres communicate through the corpus callosum. "No matter how lateralized the brain can get, though, the two sides still work together," science writer Carl Zimmer explained in an article for Discover magazine.

"The pop psychology notion of a left brain and a right brain doesn’t capture their intimate working relationship. The left hemisphere specializes in picking out the sounds that form words and working out the syntax of the phrase, for example, but it does not have a monopoly on language processing. The right hemisphere is more sensitive to the emotional features of language, tuning in to the slow rhythms of speech that carry intonation and stress."

In one study by researchers at the University of Utah, more than 1,000 participants had their brains analyzed in order to determine if they preferred using one side over the other.

The study revealed that while activity was sometimes higher in certain critical regions, both sides of the brain were essentially equal in their activity on average.

“It’s absolutely true that some brain functions occur in one or the other side of the brain. Language tends to be on the left, attention more on the right. But people don’t tend to have a stronger left- or right-sided brain network. It seems to be determined more connection by connection," explained the study's lead author Dr. Jeff Anderson.

So while people are often described as being either right-brained or left-brained, the truth is that they are actually both. While the idea of right brain vs. left brain thinkers has been debunked, its popularity persists.

Persisting Myths of the Left Brain vs. Right Brain

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. In fact, the idea seems to have taken on a mind of its own within popular culture.

From magazine articles to books to online quizzes, you are bound to see information suggesting that you can unleash the power of your mind if you just discover which side of your brain is stronger or more dominant.

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.

While over-generalized and overstated by popular psychology and self-help texts, understanding your strengths and weaknesses in certain areas can help you develop better ways to learn and study. For example, students who have a difficult time following verbal instructions (often cited as a right-brain characteristic) might benefit from writing down directions and developing better organizational skills.

The important thing to remember if you take one of the many left brain/right brain quizzes that you will likely encounter online is that they are entirely for fun and you shouldn't place much stock in your results.

Improving Brain Health Whether You Feel Right-Brained or Left-Brained

Whether you feel like you tend to be more of a creative type or an analytical type, there are things that you can do to keep your mind sharp and your brain healthy.

No matter what type of thinking you are doing, both sides of your brain are involved. The right-brain, left-brain theory might be inaccurate, but that doesn't mean that understanding your strengths is not helpful. You can also take steps to protect the health of your brain by getting regular exercise, sleeping well, staying social, and putting your mind to use.

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By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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Frontal Lobe: Function, Location, anatomical Structure & Damage

Olivia Guy Evans

Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons), Psychology, MSc, Psychology of Education

Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.

Learn about our Editorial Process

Saul Mcleod, PhD

Educator, Researcher

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul Mcleod, Ph.D., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years experience of working in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

The frontal lobe is located behind the forehead, at the front of the brain. These lobes are part of the cerebral cortex and are the largest brain structure.

The frontal lobe’s main functions are typically associated with ‘higher’ cognitive functions, including decision-making, problem-solving, thought, and attention.

It contains the motor cortex , which is involved in planning and coordinating movement; the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for higher-level cognitive functioning; and Broca’s Area , which is essential for language production

Frontal Lobe Described with Labels Anatomy

Table of Contents

Below is a list of some of the associated functions of the frontal lobe:

Executive processes (capacity to plan, organize, initiate, and self-monitor) Voluntary behavior Problem-solving Voluntary motor control Intelligence Language processing Language comprehension Self-control Emotional control

The frontal lobes are believed to be our behavior and emotional control centers, meaning that this area is activated when needing to control our behaviors to be socially appropriate and with controlling our emotional responses, especially in social situations.

Moreover, the frontal lobes are thought to be the home of our personalities. Alike to most lobes in the brain, there are two frontal lobes, located in the left and right hemispheres.

Each lobe controls the operations on opposite sides of the body: the left hemisphere controls the right side of the body and vice versa.

It is believed the left frontal lobe is the most dominant lobe and works predominantly with language, logical thinking, and analytical reasoning.

The right frontal lobe, on the other hand, is most associated with non-verbal abilities, creativity, imagination, and musical, and art skills.

The frontal lobe, like other structures of the brain, does not always work in isolation from each other. The frontal lobes work alongside other brain regions in order to control a variety of functions.

Substructures

The frontal lobe contains the motor cortex, which is involved in planning and coordinating movement; the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for higher-level cognitive functioning; and Broca’s area, which is essential for language production.

Prefrontal Cortex

The prefrontal cortex is primarily responsible for the ‘higher’ brain functions of the frontal lobes, including decision-making, problem-solving, intelligence, and emotion regulation.

This area has also been found to be associated with the social skills and personality of humans.

This idea is supported by the famous case study of Phineas Gage, whose personality changed after losing a part of his prefrontal cortex after an iron rod impaled his head.

The frontal cortex has also been shown to be activated when an experience becomes conscious. Different ideas and perceptions are bound together in this region, both of which are necessary for conscious experience. Concluding that this area may be especially important for consciousness.

Cognitive disorders that have been shown to be linked to this region are attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ), autism, bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia.

The prefrontal cortex can be further divided into the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the orbitofrontal cortex.