How the Human Brain Works:

Key points:
- The brain is the control center of the human body.
- It is made up of about 86 billion neurons.
- The brain controls thoughts, emotions, movement, and memory.
- It is divided into the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem.
- The left hemisphere controls logic and language, while the right handles creativity.
- The brain communicates through electrical and chemical signals.
- It weighs around 1.4 kg in adults.
- The brain is protected by the skull and cushioned by cerebrospinal fluid.
- A healthy brain needs good sleep, nutrition, and mental exercise.
- Learning and experiences shape our brain over time.
Forebrain
The forebrain is the largest and most developed part of the brain. It includes structures like the cerebrum, thalamus, and hypothalamus. The cerebrum controls thinking, learning, memory, emotions, and voluntary movements. It is divided into two hemispheres (left and right) and further into lobes, each responsible for specific tasks like vision, speech, and reasoning. The thalamus acts as a relay center, passing sensory information to the correct areas of the brain. The hypothalamus maintains the body’s internal balance by regulating hunger, thirst, body temperature, and hormones.
Midbrain
The midbrain lies between the forebrain and hindbrain. It is smaller but important for motor movement, especially movements of the eye, and for processing visual and auditory information. One key part of the midbrain is the tectum, which helps respond to visual and sound stimuli. Another part, the tegmentum, is involved in controlling body movement and consciousness.
Hindbrain
The hindbrain includes the cerebellum, pons, and medulla oblongata. The cerebellum helps with coordination, posture, and balance. The pons connects different parts of the brain and plays a role in breathing and sleep. The medulla controls vital involuntary functions like heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.
- The brain is the fattiest organ in the human body—about 60% fat.
- It uses around 20% of the body’s total energy even though it only makes up about 2% of your body weight.
- Your brain can generate electricity—enough to power a small light bulb (about 20 watts).
- Neurons can transmit signals at speeds up to 250 mph (402 km/h).
- You have around 86 billion neurons in your brain, each connecting to thousands of others.
- The brain doesn’t feel pain because it has no pain receptors.
- It starts to slow down as early as your late 20s, but learning and exercise can keep it sharp.
- Multitasking is a myth—the brain actually switches between tasks, reducing efficiency.
- Dreaming happens in the brain’s most active state, often during REM sleep.
- Your brain keeps developing until about age 25, especially the areas linked to decision-making and self-control.
10 Tips to Keep Your Brain Healthy
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Eat brain-friendly foods
Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins—like fish, nuts, berries, and leafy greens. -
Get enough sleep
Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night to help your brain rest and recharge. -
Exercise regularly
Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and boosts memory and learning. -
Stay mentally active
Solve puzzles, read, learn a new skill, or play strategy games to keep your mind sharp. -
Stay socially connected
Talking to friends and staying socially active can reduce the risk of memory loss and depression. -
Practice mindfulness or meditation
These reduce stress and improve focus, memory, and emotional well-being. -
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
These substances can damage brain cells and reduce cognitive function over time. -
Stay hydrated
Dehydration can affect focus, memory, and mood—drink enough water daily. -
Protect your head
Wear helmets during risky activities and take steps to prevent falls to avoid brain injuries. -
Manage stress
Chronic stress can shrink brain areas like the hippocampus. Try deep breathing, journaling, or relaxing hobbies.




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