Curious ElfOur schools have taught the brain as the human body’s most complex organ. And, why not? After all, it produces every experience, feeling, memory, and action in our lives. This jelly-like tissue mass weighs around 1.4 kilograms but contains a hundred billion neurons (nerve cells). No wonder that brain’s volume is 1500 cc. Do you know that across seven million years, our brain has grown thrice the size it used to be? That’s true, but determining the changes of the brain over time can be a tricky affair. After all, we do not possess brains from ancient times to weigh on our scales. Recently, some researchers accumulated evidence to show that larger animals’ extinction contributed to our bigger brain size.
Along with this compelling piece of information, there are also a few facts that have surfaced. Are you curious to know about our body’s control unit – the repository of our emotions and memories? If yes, then read on.
The extinction of larger animals increased the brain’s volume
There is sure-shot evidence about humans being the major contributor towards the extinction of giant animals, around 10,000 BC. Despite the absence of any unified explanation regarding the humans’ prehistoric phenomena, the evidence points at something exciting. Researchers opine that throughout the evolution process, one of the topmost predators was humans. So, our forefathers specialized in big-game hunting. That means around 2.6 million years ago, humans hunted gigantic land mammals. Some of these mammals would weigh between 200-300 kilograms. However, excessive hunting led to the extinction of these mammals, and thus, the game size was reduced. Hunting the fast and small animals forced the humans to project boldness and cunningness. Hence, the human brain increased in amount. Do you know an average adult male’s brain is about 1336 grams? And, an adult female’s brain is about 1198 grams? Startled? This trivia is astonishing indeed.
The brain has a high fat and water content
Our brain contains the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. However, the brain also includes sixty percent fat and a lot of water. The modern-day human brain is globular, unlike the early hominids. Our brains are made of soft tissues that include both white and gray matter. With numerous small blood vessels, non-neuron, and nerve cells, the brain is a crucial and potent part of our body.
The brain does not feel pain
Imagine performing surgeries on wide-awake patients. A leading neurologist has explained that the brain may have blood vessels and coverings, but somehow it does not feel pain. Blood vessels may contain the pain receptors, but if you ask about the brain, then there are none.
The greedy brain
Your brain accounts for 3 percent of the body’s total weight, with thirty percent of the blood pumped by the heart. But do you know our brains can be green with jealousy? Imagine your brain to be a demanding and spoiled child that is also efficient and smart.
Using all of the brain most times
Did you know that each of us uses most of our brains all of the time? Yes, you heard it right! Our brain is always working- to dream, move, think, process and sense. Even when we hop into the bed to have a good night’s sleep, even then, our brain is working hard. Sounds riveting.
Brains transform with age
Did you know that our brains shrink, gradually losing neurons? No? Well, that’s the reality. The hippocampus and frontal lobe regulate the cognitive processes. These two critical regions of the brain help you with recall and memory formation.
It’s all about the grey matter
When we speak of the brains, we speak of “grey matter.” Did you know our brain can download information directly? Believe it or not, but that’s true. Our brain is indeed the most distinctive mammalian part that can augment itself with online searches and smartphones. Go figure! Because exercising the brain is always a priority.
