5 Interesting Facts About The Brain
The human brain is considered by many to be one of the greatest creations in the history of evolution. While most complex animals have some sort of brain, only humans have a brain that’s capable of conscious awareness, as well as calculating large numbers and completing complex tasks.
It’s our large brain that allowed us to take over the world, and to create the machines, computers, and industries that power the globe today. With that in mind, here are some fascinating facts about our brains.
1. Energy Consumption
All the organs in the human body require a certain amount of energy in order to maintain their functionality and health, but none of our organs consume quite as much energy as our brain, even though it only makes up 2% of our total mass.
In fact, over 20% of the calories and nutrients we consume on a daily basis go straight to the brain, and it’s why we feel irritable and dozy if we don’t eat the right food.
2. Pain
The brain is the central hub for the body’s complex nervous system, where it controls how we interpret various stimuli, ranging from a cool breeze to intense pain. Pain is an extremely important stimulus to keep track of, as it can tell us if there’s any part of our body that might be sustaining some kind of damage.
And while it may control the nervous system, scientists have yet to find any pain nerves within the brain itself. What that means is that the brain cannot feel any pain at all, and that the headaches we get are related to the nerves surrounding our brains rather than the brain feeling the pain directly.
3. The 10% Myth
There’s a long running misconception that we only use around 10% of our brain, and that we have the potential to become a genius if we’re able to unlock the other 10%. Unfortunately, this is a long-standing myth that has stuck with the public for a number of years, and also one that couldn’t be further from the truth.
The brain is a complex organ, made up of billions of cells, and each part has a different function, from driving a car, to putting down eSports bets online, and only having access to 10% of them would either leave a human dead or severely mentally disabled.
4. Oxycontin
Oxycontin is an extremely powerful hormone that is secreted by the brain, and it’s used to help us create a bond with another person. The best example of this is when a mother gives birth to her child.
The brain secretes huge amounts of oxycontin, enough for the mother to form a lifelong bond with their child, and increases the chances that they won’t hurt or abandon the child after birth, which can be fairly common in the animal world.
5. Mirror Neurons
Mirror neurons are specialised neurons in the brain designed to help us better socialise with other people.
This is especially important when we’re attempting to find common ground, where imitation is among the best forms of cementing relationships. Mirror neurons are also the primary reason that most people yawn when they see others doing it.
