Brain Structure
Does the brain of an adult weigh more or less than 5 lbs?
Less! Only about 3 lbs!
Does the visual cortex help us see, hear, or taste?
See!
True or False: Most of our brain cells are created before we are born.
True! We are born with most of the brain cells we will ever have. As we get older, our brain says goodbye to cells we don't use very much!
True or False: Only adults can use machines that take pictures of the brain.
False! There are several machines that take pictures of kid's brains. Our machine has already taken hundreds of children's brain pictures!
Aside from water, is the brain mostly made up of fat, sugar, or protein?
Fat! The brain is the fattiest organ in the human body. As we get older, some of this fat helps our brain work faster!
True or False: We only use about 10% of our brain.
False!
How many neurons (brain cells) are in the brain?
A) 86 thousand B) 86 million C) 86 billion
C) 86 billion!
Does an MRI scanner tell us what your brain looks like, where in the brain something happens as you complete a task, or both?
Both! Our MRI scanner tells us what your brain looks like and what parts of the brain turn on when you do math!
Is the brain divided into four hemispheres, lobes, or limbs?
The brain is divided into four lobes. The four lobes like to do different tasks for our brain, but they often work together when solving hard problems!
The brain "turns off" during sleep.
False! Much of the brain is still active during sleep, strengthening our memories and giving us dreams!
Do brain cells communicate using electricity, chemicals, or both?
Both! When a brain cell wants to communicate, it sends an electrical signal down its body. Then, the brain cell sends chemicals to other cells to pass the message on!