ASTONISHING FACTS ABOUT THE HUMAN BRAIN
The human brain is one of the most complex and fascinating parts of our anatomy. With every beat of your heart, about 20% of the blood flowing from your heart is directed to this mighty organ, which comprises only about 2% of your body’s weight. Without any further see-saw, let’s delve into the phenomenal facts about the human brain.
Neuron Fireworks
One of the most common misconceptions about the brain is that we only use 10% of it. Quite the opposite, we use virtually every part of the brain, and most of it is active almost all the time, thereby brewing a fascinating neurochemical cocktail. The brain houses roughly 86 billion neurons (brain cells). These little dynamos are constantly firing electrical messages to keep your heart beating, your lungs breathing, and your mind racing from morning to night.
Electrical Efficiency
Did you know your brain produces enough electricity to power a low-wattage LED light? If you think about it, it’s not too surprising. After all, neurons transmit information through electrical impulses. When all of these impulses combine, they can generate about 20 watts of electrical power. The human brain is power-packed!
The High-Speed Brain
The speed of information passing between neurons is an extraordinary 260 mph! That’s faster than a Formula 1 race car at full throttle. This speed is vital for the brain, where complex thoughts, reactions, and decisions are formed in fractions of a second.
Baby Brain
We often think of our brain as being something that evolves as we age, but did you know that a toddler’s brain is twice as active as an adult’s? That’s right. By the time a child is three years old, their brain has reached 80% of its adult volume and is buzzing with activity.
The Fat Brain
The human brain is the fattiest organ in the body, composed of nearly 60% fat. This high-fat content is vital for brain health. It provides insulation for its electrifying nerve fibers and aids in vitamin and nutrient absorption, promoting overall brain health.
The Brain’s Waterway
If you’re wondering about the non-fat part of the brain, well, it’s mostly water. Approximately 75% of the brain is water. It underscores the importance of staying hydrated to keep your brain in top working order.
The Brain – A Zero Pain Zone
Ever wondered why brain surgery can sometimes be conducted while the patient is awake? It’s because the brain itself cannot feel pain. This absence of pain receptors in the brain is a critical factor in ‘awake’ brain surgeries where patients are asked to perform tasks or answer questions. The surrounding membrane, scalp, and skull, however, do have pain receptors, hence the area is numbed before any incision.
Brain Versus Computer
What could possibly be more staggering than the world’s most powerful supercomputer? Your brain. The brain is capable of processing information at speeds of up to 120 meters per second, significantly outpacing any existing computer. Even the most advanced AI (Artificial Intelligence) doesn’t come close to the computational abilities of the brain.
These riveting facts underscore our brain’s splendor and how brilliantly it functions as the control center of the body. It indeed leaves us in awe of the grandeur before our very eyes, as it turns the gearwheels of our everyday life. We may not comprehend much about the brain right now, but with every passing year, discoveries and insights are taking us closer to understanding its many mysteries.