Brain Basics
About how much does the average adult human brain weigh?
a. less than 2 lbs
b. 2-3 lbs
c. 3-4 lbs
d. more than 4 lbs
b. 2-3 lbs
An adult human brain weighs around 2-3 pounds and is made up of about 73% water!
Caffeine boosts memory performance.
True or False?
False. Caffeine only boosts alertness and do not have any role in the maintenance of memory performance.
These chemicals are released at the end of an axon and act as messengers between neurons.
Neurotransmitters
The brain is divided into these two major cerebral hemispheres, with each hemisphere generally controlling movement on the opposite side of the body.
The left and right hemispheres.
This is the largest ocean on Earth.
The Pacific Ocean
These billions of interconnected nerve cells make up the human brain.
Neurons
This activity has been shown to support the consolidation and storage of long-term memories.
Sleep
This neurotransmitter is commonly associated with mood, sleep, appetite, and emotional regulation.
Serotonin
This part of the brain is strongly involved in decision-making, planning, complex thinking, and controlling behavior.
The prefrontal cortex
This is the only mammal capable of true sustained flight.
The bat
What is is the fastest period of brain development in a human's life?
The first three years
This sense can be strongly connected to memories of particular events or experiences.
Smell.
Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with the brain's reward system, motivation, and pleasure?
Dopamine
This wrinkly outer layer of the brain is responsible for many important functions, including thinking, learning, and processing information.
The cerebral cortex
This is the only letter that does not appear in the name of any U.S. state.
Q
Brain development continues into this general age range, particularly in areas involved in decision-making and impulse control.
Mid-to-late 20s
Most short-term memories last approximately this long.
20-30 seconds
Neurotransmitters are released from the end of this part of a neuron when an electrical signal reaches it.
The axon.
Which brain structure acts as an alarm system, processing emotions like fear and triggering the "fight or flight" response?
The amygdala
This animal can sleep while keeping one half of its brain awake.
Dolphin
This is the term for the brain's ability to change and adapt by forming and reorganizing neural connections.
Neuroplasticity
Located deep within the brain's temporal lobe, this structure is especially important for learning, memory formation, and spatial memory.
The hippocampus.
This neurotransmitter is the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, helping reduce excessive activity in the nervous system.
GABA
This structure helps regulate basic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
The brainstem
This fruit is the world's most widely consumed fruit, according to many global food statistics.
Banana