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The Human Brain: An Owner's Manual

2001
The average human brain weighs about 3 pounds-only about two percent of our body weight. This three-pound structure uses 20 percent of the blood pumped by the heart and 15-20 percent of the body's oxygen. Within this remarkable structure, the brain, there are approximately 100 billion neurons. Each neuron has 1,000 to 10,000 synapses or connections. The capacity of these neurons gives the brain a capacity to remember, think and create superior to that of any computer built by man. In addition to the nearly infinite possible connections and interactions, the brain has different wavelengths that denote different states or ways the brain can be used. These wavelengths are Alpha, Beta, Theta and Delta. The brain's six cortical layers cover two hemispheres (or sides). These hemispheres cover the limbic system (or emotional brain) and the ancient, reptilian brain stem. Both of these hemispheres have specialized functions to, some extent, to give different intelligences and abilities. The left brain controls logic and language, but also mixes with the right brain for creativity in things such as poetry. The right brain is sometimes called the artistic brain. It specializes in visual arts, music and other artistic functions as well as collaborations with the left brain. These two hemispheres are connected by the Corpus Callosum, which contains 250 fibers that help us orchestrate the symphony of critcal thinking, creating and caring. To find out the details behind this magnificent organ, visit our website at http://library.thinkquest.org/c0114820