The right side of the brain refers to the division of the cerebrum, the largest part of the brain. The cerebrum has two parts---the left hemisphere and the right hemisphere---which are connected by the corpus callosum, which is made up of 200 to 250 million nerve fibers, according to the University of Washington. When the corpus callosum is cut, such as with split brain surgery, communication between the right and left hemispheres is disrupted, resulting in different responses from each hemisphere. This occurs because the right hemisphere is responsible for separate functions from the left hemisphere.
Control of the Left Side of the Body
One of the major functions of the right side of the brain is control of the left half of the body, according to the Centre for Neuro Skills. When there is damage to part of the right hemisphere, it is displayed as motor or sensory problems on the left side of the body. For example, the University of Washington explains that information from the right hemisphere crosses over and transmits the signal to the left arm. The same is true for the left hemisphere: information from the left side of the brain is sent to the right half of the body.
Dominant Functions
The right hemisphere has dominant functions, meaning they are not performed by the left hemisphere. Spatial abilities are one group of dominant functions: the right hemisphere is responsible for determining body position and where other objects are located. Visual imagery is another function of the right hemisphere, which can be used for memory and thinking. Music is also associated with the right hemisphere; this results in the mentality that musically-oriented people are right-brain dominant. Other dominant functions of the right brain are face recognition and putting pieces of information together to create a full picture.
Tachistoscope Experiments
The functions of the right hemisphere have been identified through studies using a tachistoscope. The University of Washington explains that the tachistoscope relays information to only one hemisphere at a time. In one experiment, the right hemisphere is shown an image of a flower. When asked what image was shown, the patient would say she did not see anything; however, if asked to identify the object by touching it with her left hand, the patient would reach for the flower. The reason for these responses is the right hemisphere is a non-verbal hemisphere---all language abilities are located in the left hemisphere. Since the right hemisphere controls the left half of the body, the patient could accurately identify the object shown to the right hemisphere.
