The brain is hailed as the command center of our body, controlling not only our behaviors and movements but also managing memory, thought, emotions, and various sensory functions. Composed of approximately one kilogram of fat and protein, the human brain is the most complex and intricate system within our body, made up of billions of neurons that hold immense potential. How much do you know about the brain? Let’s uncover some common myths and interesting facts about it!
Is Vision Solely Dependent on the Eyes?
Vision is actually a process of information processing that involves not just our eyes but also our brain. When light hits our retina, it transforms into electrical signals that are transmitted to the visual cortex in the brain through neurons. The neurons in the cortex analyze these different signals, such as color, shape, and position, and eventually integrate them into a complete image, allowing our brain to interpret what we see.
Is Forgetting Recent Events Amnesia?
Forgetting someone’s name just seconds after meeting them doesn’t mean we have amnesia. Don’t worry; this is a normal occurrence. Our brain has both short-term and long-term memory. The things we see and hear at the moment are stored in short-term memory, which can only hold a limited amount of information. Many short-term memories fade away in less than a minute; long-term memory, on the other hand, contains factual memories of our life experiences and knowledge we have learned, with a capacity that can last from days to years.
Thus, sometimes forgetting recent events is simply because our short-term memory can only store a limited amount of information. If we don’t pay attention, these memories may quickly vanish.
Can Emotions Be "Contagious"?
Have you ever found yourself laughing uncontrollably when others are laughing? This phenomenon occurs due to "mirror neurons" in our brain. Imitation is an innate skill; from a young age, we learn by mimicking adults through mirror-like sensations. Emotions work in a similar way: when we see someone else's expression, our brain's mirror neurons unconsciously prompt us to mimic that expression, evoking similar emotional states. This not only helps us interpret others' emotions but also fosters empathy.
As the most complex organ in our body, the brain still holds many mysteries. However, as scientists continue to enrich their research in neuroscience, many myths about the brain are gradually being debunked. If you want to uncover more about the mysteries of the brain, feel free to check out The Secrets of the Brain and participate in fun games to test your knowledge about the brain after reading!