The path to self-development starts with first understanding your greatest weapon. No! it’s not your good looks; it actually the brain. Mindspurt was created with the intention of helping you navigate through life by making the right decisions. So it makes sense that the first places to start with is understanding how the minds works. If you are able to appreciate the power and complexities of your brain; you will be one step further in realizing how to harness it’s full potential. So join us on this this journey of unraveling the mysteries of the human brain.
Brain Anatomy
It is hard to believe that within that thick skull of yours, is actually a sophisticated supercomputer. It takes up approximately 2% of your body weight and is unique to you according to a study done by the University of Zurich. According to the study, a person’s genetics and individual experiences can change the physical structure of your brain; making it unique to each individual – Pretty cool!
The brain is a conglomeration of around 86 billion nerve cells (neurons) commonly referred to as “gray matter.” It also consists of nerve fibers (axons and dendrites) which makes up what is called “white matter.” The gray matter has a key role in controlling sensory and muscular activity. White matter affects learning and brain functions, modulating the distribution of action potentials, acting as a relay and coordinating communication between different brain areas. In addition, the neurons are connected by trillions of connections called synapses.
According to this post from Livescience; The cerebral cortex is very large in human brains and is responsible for complex thought processes. What we see and process takes place in the occipital lobe, situated closer to the back of the skull. The temporal lobe is what we use to process sound and language, and includes the hippocampus and amygdala, which play roles in memory and emotion, respectively. The parietal lobe integrates input from different senses and is important for spatial orientation and navigation. To learn more about the fascinating anatomy of the human brain; read:
- Why Does The Brain Need Oxygen? And More! >>
- Does The Size Of The Brain Matter?>>
- 12 Great Facts About How The Brain Uses Food>>
- 10 Interesting Facts About Brain Structure Functions>>
Fascinating Brain Phenomena (Sleep, ASMR, etc)
As with any other complex system; there is also complex phenomena that we can often not explain without the help of detailed science. These often surprise us and come of as borderline magic. Here are few to tickle your taste-bud phenomenon associated with the brain:
- Mirror-Touch Synesthesia – the ability to physically feel what another is feeling
- The Baader-Meinhof phenomenon (frequency illusion) – because you learned about the phenomenon, you will notice the words everywhere
- Strange face in the mirror illusion – seeing a different face or creature when you stare in the mirror for too long
- People who recall everyday of their lives perfectly – Yep! they exist
Also Read:
- What Is Sapiosexual Arousal? Signs that intelligence is a turn on>>
- Are Sympathy Pains Real – Or Is The Mind Playing Tricks>>
- Brain Freeze Migraines Uncovered!
- How Love Affects The Brain – Be Amazed!
- What Causes Shivers When Listening To Music?
- ASMR Explained – The Science Of Brain Tingling
The Brain And Sleep
We spend about 1/3 of our lives sleeping; this is a lot of time which could rather be used pursuing your dreams or having fun. Unfortunately like all other animals, we to need rest. Without sleep, you will not be able to form new neural pathways for what you have learned or new memories. Thus it will be more difficult to concentrate and your response time will be lagging. Bad news for College students who have to pull all nighters. Research has shown that sleep also plays a vital role in removing toxins from our brain. According to the study, during non-Rem Sleep; the brain secretes more cerebrospinal fluid which plays an active role in clearing out disease causing toxins. That should be cause enough to get your sleep schedule on point. If you are interested in further articles about sleep; also read:
- Lucid Dreaming And Sleep Paralysis Explained
- 10 Jaw Dropping Facts Related To Brain And Sleep Activities
This articles clearly illustrates the power of the brain. And while science has made phenomenal leaps forward in unraveling the mysteries of the human brain; there are tons more to learn. You don’t need to be a neuroscientist or brain surgeon to learn about your brain – so get a little curious. The better you can understand how your mind works, the better you will be able to use it to achieve your dream.
