The Awesomeness of the Brain

The human brain is a fascinating organ. Weighing in at around three pounds, the brain is far more powerful than the most powerful computer. Every second, the brain processes hundreds of billions of bits of information. The brain’s 100 billion neurons send signals that allow us to communicate, make plans, solve problems, detect threats, protect ourselves, remember, reason, and engage in the world around us. When brain functions are altered, mental health and neurological disorders are present. Irregular brain function can affect judgment, communications, emotions, behavior, and our understanding of what is real and what is not.

Things you may not know about the human brain:

60% of the brain is made up of fat; it is one of the fattiest organs in the body.

• The human brain can generate approximately 23 watts of power when awake.

• Weighs only about three pounds but consumes 25% of your energy.

  The brain receives 20% of the total blood and oxygen produced in our body.

• Your brain continues to develop until you are about 25 years old.

• The brain can process more than 50 experiences per second!

• Blood vessels in the brain run almost 100,000 miles in length.

• The number of neural connections in any given instant is greater than the number of atoms in the universe!

  (Source: https://www.mcleanhospital.org/research/neuroscience#history)