Brain Basics
What color is the brain?
What is gray
have keys but no locks. I have space but no rooms. You can enter but can’t go outside. What am I?
keyboard
“Always on My ____” – Willie Nelson (1982)
(“mind” counts for the brain theme!)
What brain chemical makes us feel happy?
What is dopamine
How much does the human brain weigh?
3 lbs
What are some examples of voluntary functions?
Voluntary functions: moving, looking, listening, touching
What five-letter word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it?
short
The phrase “Use your brain before your mouth” reminds us of a classic Elvis tune about thinking, or thinking before you speak. What’s that song’s title?
A Little Less Conversation
What brain chemical makes us feel calm?
What is serotonin
The average person has between 12,000 and ______ thoughts per day.
60,000
What are some examples of involuntary functions?
Involuntary functions: breathing, heart rate, BP, blinking.
I’m light as a feather, but even the world’s strongest person can’t hold me for long. What am I?
breath
Don’t let your ____ get fried!” was a lyric in an ‘80s anti-drug public service announcement song.
brain
This chemical creates anxiety, anger, or stress if there is too much?
What is cortisol.
Cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day, peaking in the morning and dropping in the evening. Stress can cause a rise in cortisol production, but this is usually temporary and doesn't necessarily indicate a larger health problem. However, being under constant stress can lead to health problems like anxiety, depression, heart disease, and weight gain.
How long does short-term memory last?
20-30 seconds
Which side of the brain is often associated with creativity and art?
right side
The more of this you take, the more you leave behind. What is it?
footsteps
The Beach Boys sang “I’m pickin’ up good _______,” which connects to brain waves.
vibrations
This chemical makes us feel pumped and ready to go
What is adrenaline
What percentage of water is the brain made of?
75%
dehydration, even as small as 2%, can have a negative effect on brain functions
What vitamin is often called the “brain vitamin” because it helps nerve function?
B12
What begins with “E,” ends with “E,” but only contains one letter?
envelope
In 1985, Thomas Dolby had a hit song titled “She Blinded Me with ____.”
Science
The goal of brain chemicals is to do this
What is create balance
The brain’s outer layer, responsible for thinking and decision-making, is called the _______ cortex.
cerebral cortex