The Brain
According to National Geographic, the human brain consists of some 100 billion active nerve cells.
- The brain’s neurons communicate by transmitting electrical impulses along their axons. Interactions among neurons can be simple or complex, and the amount of time they take can range from milliseconds to months.
- There are 22 different bones in the skull, eight in the cranium and 14 in the face.
- The cerebrum accounts for about 85 percent of the brain’s weight and is the organ’s largest part.
- Often referred to as the “little brain,” the cerebrum is the second-largest part of the brain. It handles muscle movement and controls balance.
- The left hemisphere handles language, analytics and mathematical reasoning.
- Creative, artistic and spontaneous thoughts are derived from the right hemisphere of the brain.
- Many ancient philosophers believed that human consciousness resided in the heart. It wasn't until the 17th century that philosopher Thomas Willis began to argue the vast powers of the brain.
- The brain is constantly sending and receiving information. Motor circuits transmit information away from the brain to muscles and glands, while sensory circuits report findings to the brain. An adult human brain weighs about three pounds, and a bottlenose dolphin’s brain tips the scales at about four pounds.
- As we age, we can often remember long-ago events more easily than recent events.
- The average adult's attention span is 20 minutes (unless it’s a topic one finds especially interesting).