๐ง How much information do you (really) know about your brain? Despite its extraordinary power, the human brain remains a mystery in many aspects.
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Still, there are questions that often intrigue us:
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In this blog article, we are going to explore some curiosities about the brain's universe. Ready to better understand what's going on inside your head? ๐ค
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It may seem hard to believe, but this biological machine that controls absolutely everything weighs between 1.2 kg and 1.5 kg, which may vary according to gender and body height.
This represents about 2% of our total body weight. 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. ๐ญ
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Surely, at some point in your life, you have heard or read that we only use 10% of the brain. Although this information creates an impact and arouses curiosity, studies mention that this statement is a myth and, therefore, has no scientific basis.
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Thanks to technological progress, we know that we use the different parts of the human brain throughout the day, from simple to more complex tasks.
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๐ In this way, the brain is fully functioning at all times, whether it is regulating heartbeats, making decisions, absorbing emotions, or interpreting the present article that you are reading right now!
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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:
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๐ธCerebral Cortex: which it's part of the brain, it's the outermost and most developed layer. It is responsible for conscious thought, language, memory, and voluntary control of movements.
๐ธCerebellum: Located in the lower and posterior part of the brain. It is responsible for motor coordination, balance and precision of movements.
๐ธBrain Stem: Responsible for regulating vital functions such as breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure.
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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 found in the Cerebral Cortex.
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This study also shows us that the volume of our prefrontal cortex (larger compared 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! ๐ฏ
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The human brain is also divided into two hemispheres: the left and the right, which, although symmetrical from an anatomical point of view, they play different roles:
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๐นLeft hemisphere: Associated with language, logic, and analytical reasoning.
๐นRight hemisphere: Related to creativity, intuition, art, and emotions.
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Each hemisphere of the cerebral cortex, in turn, is further divided into four lobes, each with well-defined responsibilities:
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๐ธFrontal lobe: Responsible for memory, mood, emotions, planning, reasoning, decision-making, voluntary motor control, and personality.
๐ธParietal lobe: Processes sensory information. It is related to touch, pain, temperature, and spatial perception.
๐ธTemporal lobe: Responsible for memory, hearing, smell, and language comprehension.
๐ธOccipital lobe: The primary area for visual processing.
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All of these areas work in harmony, allowing us to interpret the world around us quickly and efficiently. Isn't it amazing? ๐คฉ
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As we have already proven, the human brain is truly incredible and complex, and this complexity extends to the tissues and structures that compose it. Among the main elements are gray matter, white matter and other internal structures that work together to ensure its normal functioning.
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Located mainly in the cerebral cortex, gray matter is formed by the bodies of neurons. This is where complex mental activities such as thinking, deciding, feeling, and remembering take place.
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๐ก Simply put: if we think of the brain as a computer, the gray matter would be like the processor that analyzes all the information. ๐ป
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White matter is composed of myelinated axons. These axons are like โfibersโ that connect the different parts of the brain. Their role consists in the rapid transmission of electrical signals from the neuron cell bodies to synapses, in order to transmit information to other neurons or organs.
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In addition to the main areas, the human brain has internal structures with crucial roles in the behavior and balance of the organism:
๐น Hippocampus: Essential for the consolidation of memories and learning.
๐น Amygdala: Regulates emotions, especially fear and anger.
๐น Hypothalamus: Controls automatic functions such as sleep, hunger, body temperature and hormones.
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All of 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!
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Learning happens throughout life. 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, which is the brain's ability to adapt, create new connections, and to reorganize itself based on lived experiences. ๐ถโก๏ธ๐ง
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However, as you may have noticed through your own experiences, for learning it is not enough to โlisten onceโ. Learning depends on three fundamental elements:
๐ธAttention: To capture and interpret information.
๐ธMemoir: To save information and โretrieveโ it later.
๐ธRepetition: To consolidate knowledge and transform it into long-lasting memories.
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Repetition is, therefore, essential for information to be permanently retained in the brain.
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However, not all learning occurs in the same way for everyone. In some cases, difficulties arise with reading, writing, and/or arithmetic, which are not related to a lack of motivation or dedication but rather to specific learning disorders.
Identifying these disorders 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.
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Fortunately, the brain's ability to create new connections doesn't disappear as we age. This means that it's never too late to learn something new! ๐
Although brain plasticity is more active in childhood (which explains, for example, the ease of children learning languages), adults are also able to develop new skills. Just keep your brain active and stimulated.
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Habits such as sleeping well, maintaining a good diet, and exercising help preserve brain health and reinforce this ability to adapt.
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A well-maintained brain is always ready to surprise! ๐ช
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Although the human brain is incredible, resilient, and adaptable, it can be affected by disorders 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.
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Among the most common neurological and mental conditions are:
๐น Alzheimer's: A neurodegenerative disorder that affects the memory and other cognitive functions.
๐น Epilepsy: Characterized by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain that cause seizures.
๐น Parkinson's: A disorder that affects movement control and is linked to the loss of dopamine in the brain.
๐น Schizophrenia: A mental disorder that originates in the brain and affects thinking, emotions, and the perception of reality.
๐นDepression and anxiety: Mental disorders often associated with chemical and emotional imbalances.
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Fortunately, science has advanced in this area and today there are earlier diagnoses with increasingly effective treatments and preventive strategies.
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๐ Throughout this article, we explored interesting facts 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, stimulate, or even train!
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๐ One of these tools is the Neurofeedback, a non-invasive and painless brain training technique that uses real-time monitoring of brain activity to help the brain self-regulate.
Based on initial data from a quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG), we are able to use neurofeedback so that people can see how their own brain works and, with training, adjust that functioning to achieve greater states of balance, focus, and performance.
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๐ Knowing our brain is an advantage that we can use to our advantage. Thanks to the science and technology that Neurofeedback provides, it is possible to develop brain potential like never before.
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