- 1. Weighs about 1.4 kg
- 2. Has more than 600 km of blood vessels
- 3. Size doesn't matter
- 4. We use more than 10% of the brain
- 5. There is no explanation for dreams
- 6. You can't tickle yourself
- 7. You can't feel pain in the brain
The brain is one of the most important organs in the human body, without which life is not possible, however, little is known about the functioning of this vital organ.
However, many studies are done every year and some very interesting curiosities are already known:
1. Weighs about 1.4 kg
Although it represents only 2% of an adult's total weight, weighing approximately 1.4 kg, the brain is the organ that uses the most oxygen and energy, consuming up to 20% of the oxygen-rich blood pumped by the heart.
In some cases, when taking a test or studying, for example, the brain can spend up to 50% of all available oxygen in the body.
2. Has more than 600 km of blood vessels
The brain is not the largest organ in the human body, however, to receive all the oxygen it needs to work properly, it contains many blood vessels that, if placed face to face, would reach 600 km.
3. Size doesn't matter
Different people have different sized brains, but that doesn't mean that the bigger the brain, the greater the intelligence or the memory. In fact, today's human brain is much smaller than it was 5, 000 years ago, but the average IQ has been increasing over time.
One possible explanation for this is that the brain is becoming more and more efficient to function better at a smaller size, using less energy.
4. We use more than 10% of the brain
Contrary to popular belief, human beings do not use only 10% of their brains. In fact, all parts of the brain have a specific function and, although they are not all working at the same time, almost all are active during the day, quickly exceeding the 10% mark.
5. There is no explanation for dreams
Almost everyone dreams of something every night, even if they don't remember it the next day. However, although it is a universal event, there is still no scientific explanation for the phenomenon.
Some theories suggest that it is a way for the brain to remain stimulated during sleep, but others also explain that it can be a way to absorb and store the thoughts and memories that it has been having during the day.
6. You can't tickle yourself
One of the most important parts of the brain, known as the cerebellum, is responsible for the movement of the various parts of the body and, therefore, is able to predict sensations, which means that the body does not have a normal response to tickling by the person himself., since the brain is able to know exactly where each finger will touch the skin.
7. You can't feel pain in the brain
There are no pain sensors in the brain, so it is not possible to feel the pain of cuts or blows directly on the brain. That's why neurosurgeons can perform surgery while awake, without the person feeling any pain.
However, there are sensors in the membranes and skin that cover the skull and brain, and that is the pain you feel when accidents happen that cause head injuries or during a simple headache, for example.
