Does the human brain use only 10% of its capacity? Find out the answer to this and other mysteries!

🧠 How much information do you (even) know about your brain? Despite its extraordinary power, the human brainremains a mystery in many respects.

‍

Even so, there are questions that often intrigue us:

• What percentage of our brain do we actually use on a daily basis?
• How does its structure work?
• How can something so small control our actions, thoughts, emotions or even dreams?

‍

In this blog article, we will explore some curiosities about the universe of the brain. Ready to better understand what's going on inside your head? 🤔

‍

How much does the human brain weigh?

It may seem hard to believe, but this biological machine that controls absolutely everythingweighs between 1.2kg to 1.5kg, may vary according to sex and body height.

This represents about 2% of the total weight of our body. However, despite its small structure, the brain still consumes about 20% of the body's energy to keep neurons active, process stimuli, regulate vital functions... and still find space to think, remember, dream and create. 💭

‍

What percentage of the brain do we actually use?

Surely, at some point in your life, you have heard or read that we use only 10% of the brain. Although this information creates impact and arouses curiosity, studies mention that this statement is a mythand, therefore, has no scientific basis.

‍

Thanks to technological progress, we know that we use the different parts of the human brain throughout the day, from simple tasks to the most complex.

‍

👉 In this way, the brain is in full operation all the time, whether regulating heartbeats, making decisions, absorbing emotions or interpreting the present article you are reading right now!

‍

How is the human brain divided?

The structure of the brain includes different areas that work together so that functions such as thinking, feeling, moving or reacting occur simultaneously and efficiently. These are the three main ones:

‍

🔸Cerebral Cortex: thatis part of the brain,is its outermost and most developed layer. It is responsible for conscious thinking, language, memory and voluntary control of movements.

🔸Cerebellum:Located at the bottom and back of the brain. It is responsible for motor coordination, balance and accuracy of movements.

🔸Brain Stem:Responsible for regulating vital functions such as breathing, heartbeat and blood pressure.

‍

The human brain is absolutely unique! According to a study published in Dement Neuropsychol, our brain has, on average, 86 million neurons, of which about 19% are in the cerebral cortex.

‍

This study also shows us that the volume of our prefrontal cortex (larger in relation to other animals such as monkeys and chimpanzees), is not only due to a greater number of neurons, but also due to the greater number of cortical synaptic connections. This is what allows us to learn, create, adapt and face more complex challenges! 🎯

‍

‍

Hemispheres and central lobes

The human brain is also divided into two hemispheres: the left and the right, which, although anatomically symmetrical, play distinct roles:

‍

🔹Left hemisphere:Associated with language, logic and analytical reasoning.

🔹Right hemisphere:Related to creativity, intuition, art and emotions.

‍

‍

Each hemisphere of the cerebral cortex, in turn, is still divided into fourlobes, with well-defined responsibilities:

‍

🔸Frontal lobe:Responsible for memory, mood, emotions, planning, reasoning, decision making, voluntary motor control and personality.

🔸Parietal lobe:Processes sensory information. It is related to touch, pain, temperature and perception of space.

🔸Temporal lobe:Responsible for memory, hearing, smell and language comprehension.

🔸Occipital lobe:Primary area of visual processing.

‍

‍

All of these areas work in sync, allowing us to interpret the world around us quickly and efficiently. Isn't it incredible? 🤩

‍

Gray matter, white matter and internal structures

As we have already seen, the human brain is really incredible and complex, and that complexity extends to the tissues and structures that compose it. Among the main elements stand out gray mass, white mass and other internal structures that work together to ensure its normal functioning.

‍

What is the function of gray matter?

Located mainly in the cerebral cortex, the gray mass is formed by the bodies of neurons. This is where complex mental activities such as thinking, deciding, feeling and remembering occur.

‍

💡 Simply put: if we think of the brain as a computer, the gray mass would be like the processor that analyzes all the information. 💻

‍

What is the function of white mass?

The white mass is composed of myelinated axons. These axons are like “fibers” that connect the different parts of the brain. Its function consists in the rapid transmission of electrical signals from the bodies of neurons to synapses, so as to transmit information to other neurons or organs.

‍

Other important structures

In addition to the main areas, the human brain has internal structures with crucial roles in the behavior and balance of the organism:

🔹 Hippocampus: Essential for memory consolidation and learning.

🔹 Amygdala: Regulates emotions, especially fear and anger.

🔹 Hypothalamus: Controls automatic functions such as sleep, hunger, body temperature and hormones.

‍

All this is possible thanks to billions of neurons, which communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals. They are always active even when we sleep!

‍

What is the role of the human brain in learning?

Learning happens over the course of a lifetime.From the first steps to the most complex challenges of adulthood. With each new learning our brain changes (literally). We call this process brain plasticity, that is, it is the ability of the brain to adapt, create new connections and reorganize itself based on lived experiences. 👶➡️🧓

‍

However, as you must have already realized through your own experiences, for learning it is not enough to “listen once”. A apprenticeshipdepends on three fundamental elements:

🔸Attention: To capture and interpret information.

🔸Memory: To save information and “retrieve” it later.

🔸Repetition: To consolidate knowledge and transform it into long-term memories.

‍

Repetition is therefore essential for information to be retained in the brain permanently.

‍

However, not all learning takes place in the same way for everyone. In some cases, difficulties arise in reading, writing and/or calculating, which are not related to lack of motivation or dedication but to Specific Learning Disorders.

Identifying these disturbances is essential so that, with the right support, it is possible to adapt strategies. In this way, the brain can continue to evolve and overcome many of these challenges.

‍

Fortunately, the brain's ability to create new connections does not disappear with advancing age. This means that It's never too late to learn something new!📖

Although brain plasticity is more active in childhood (and that explains, for example, the ease with which children learn languages), adults are also able to develop new skills. Just keep your brain active and stimulated.

‍

Habits such as sleeping well, maintaining a good diet and practicing exercise help preserve brain health and strengthen this ability to adapt.

‍

A well-groomed brain is always ready to surprise! 💪

‍

What if something is wrong? Know some of the most common brain diseases

Although the human brain is incredible, resilient and adaptable, it can be affected by diseases that compromise its functioning.

When the nervous system is affected, the consequences can be reflected in the way we think, feel, move and react to the world around us.

‍

Among the most common neurological and mental conditions are:

🔹 Alzheimer's disease: A neurodegenerative disease that affects memoryand other cognitive functions.

🔹 Epilepsy:Characterized by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain that cause seizures.

🔹 Parkinson's disease: A disease that affects movement control and is linked to the loss of dopamine in the brain.

🔹 Schizophrenia:Mental disorder that originates in the brain and affects thinking, emotions and perception of reality.

🔹Depressione anxiety: Mental disorders often associated with chemical and emotional imbalances.

‍

Fortunately, science has advanced in this area and today there are earlier diagnoses with treatmentsincreasingly effective and preventive strategies.

‍

Final Considerations

👉 Throughout this article we explore curiosities about the human brain, its functioning and structure. It is an organ in constant evolution, learning and adaptation!

Despite its complexity, we know that it is malleable and that we have more and more tools to protect it, stimulate it or even train it!

‍

👉 One of these tools is the Neurofeedback, a painless, non-invasive brain training technique that uses real-time reading of brain activity to help the brain self-regulate.

Based on the initial data of a quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG), we were able to use neurofeedback so that the person sees how their own brain works and, with training, adjust this functioning to achieve greater states of balance, focus and performance.

‍

👉 Knowing our brain is an advantage that we can use to our advantage. Thanks to the science and technology that the Neurofeedbackprovides, it is possible to develop brain potential like never before.

‍

References

Akram M, Sphere A. Anatomy and Physiology of Brain. AMJ 2024; 17 (9) :1232-1243. DOI:10.21767/AMJ.2024.4058.

Anum Sh. R. et al. Evolution of the Human Brain and the Myth of its Ten-Percent Use. Social Evolution & History, Vol. 23 No. 2, September 2024, pp. 44—69. DOI: 10.30884/seh/2024.02.02.

Bret, R., Tia, B., & Iriki, A. (2024). A self-in-the-world map emerged in the primate brain as a basis for Homo sapiens abilities. Development, Growth & Differentiation, 66 (6), 342—348. https://doi.org/10.1111/dgd.12939

Frías Virginia*, Kronenfeld Gabriel, Soukovelos Angelo. How Brain Changes as We Learn. Arch Neurol & Neurosci. 11 (5): 2021. ANN.MS.ID.000775.

Grezenko H, Rodoshi ZN, Mimms CS, Ahmed M, Sabani A, Hlaing MS, Batu BJ, Hundesa MI, Ayalew BD, Shehryar A, Rehman A, Hassan A. From Alzheimer's Disease to Anxiety, Epilepsy to Schizophrenia: A Comprehensive Dive Into Neuro-Psychiatric Disorders. Cureus. 2024 Apr 22; 16 (4) :e58776. doi: 10.7759/cureus.58776. PMID: 38784315; PMCID: PMC11112393.

Hartikainen, K. M. Emotion-Attention Interaction in the Right Hemisphere. Brain Sci. 2021, 11, 1006. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11081006

Logroscino, G. (2005). The Role of Early Life Environmental Risk Factors in Parkinson's Disease: What Is the Evidence? Environmental Health Perspectives 113:9 CID: https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.7573

Pittella JEH. The uniqueness of the human brain: a review. Dement Neuropsychol. 2024 Apr 15; 18:e20230078. doi: 10.1590/1980-5764-DN-2023-0078. PMID: 38628563; PMCID: PMC11019715.

Raichle ME, Gusnard DA. Appraising the brain's energy budget. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002 Aug 6; 99 (16) :10237-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.172399499. Epub 2002 Jul 29. PMID: 12149485; PMCID: PMC124895.

Sah, P., Faber, E. S. L., Lopez de Armentia, M., & Power, J. (2003). The amygdaloid complex: Anatomy and physiology. Physiological Reviews, 83 (3), 803—834. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00002.2003