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==About structure==
==About structure==
* '''The human brain is firm and grey.''' <!-- Who says this? --> The living brain is soft<ref>{{cite book| last = Kandel| first = ER| coauthors = Schwartz JH, Jessel TM| title = Principles of Neural Science| year = 2000| publisher = McGraw-Hill Professional| isbn = 9780838577011| url = }}</ref> and pale grey in color. Neurosurgeons commonly compare the healthy brain with [[tofu]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bookofjoe.com/2006/04/a_healthy_brain.html| title=Another Day in the Frontal Lobe| first=Katrina | last=Firlik| publisher=Random House| date=2 May 2006| }}</ref> It becomes firm and darker grey when it is preserved with resins.
* '''The human brain is firm and grey.''' <!-- Who says this? --> The living brain is soft<ref>{{cite book| last = Kandel| first = ER| coauthors = Schwartz JH, Jessel TM| title = Principles of Neural Science| year = 2000| publisher = McGraw-Hill Professional| isbn = 9780838577011| url = }}</ref> and pale grey in color. Neurosurgeons commonly compare the healthy brain with [[tofu]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bookofjoe.com/2006/04/a_healthy_brain.html| title=Another Day in the Frontal Lobe| first=Katrina | last=Firlik| publisher=Random House| date=2 May 2006| }}</ref> It becomes firm and darker grey when it is preserved with resins.
* '''Mental abilities are absolutely separated into the left and right [[cerebral hemisphere]]s.'''<ref name="Westen 2006">Westen et al. 2006 "Psychology: Australian and New Zealand edition" John Wiley p.107</ref> Some mental functions such as [[Speech communication|speech]] and [[language]] (cf. [[Broca's area]], [[Wernicke's area]]) tend to be localized to specific areas in one hemisphere. If one hemisphere is damaged at a very early age, however, these functions can often be recovered in part or even in full by the other hemisphere. Other abilities such as [[somatic nervous system|motor control]], memory, and general reasoning are spread equally across the two hemispheres.<ref>Goswami U (2006), “Neuroscience and education: from research to practice?” Nat Rev Neurosci 7(5):406&ndash;11 doi: 10.1038/nrn1907 pmid: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16607400</ref> See [[lateralization of brain function]].
* '''Mental abilities are absolutely separated into the left and right [[cerebral hemisphere]]s.'''<ref name="Westen 2006">Westen et al. 2006 "Psychology: Australian and New Zealand edition" John Wiley p.107</ref> Some mental functions such as [[Speech communication|speech]] and [[language]] (cf. [[Broca's area]], [[Wernicke's area]]) tend to be localized to specific areas in one hemisphere. If one hemisphere is damaged at a very early age, however, these functions can often be recovered in part or even in full by the other hemisphere. Other abilities suc777777777777h as [[somatic nervous system|motor control]], memory, and general reasoning are spread equally across the two hemispheres.<ref>Goswami U (2006), “Neuroscience and education: from research to practice?” Nat Rev Neurosci 7(5):406&ndash;11 doi: 10.1038/nrn1907 pmid: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16607400</ref> See [[lateralization of brain function]].
* '''New [[neuron]]s cannot be created.''' <!-- This popular idea still exists in some biology textbooks. We need a citation where it is actually said. --> Although neurons cannot undergo [[mitosis]], [[neurogenesis]], the creation of new neurons continues [[post-natal]]ly. Adult neurogenesis has been observed in [[avians]],<ref>{{cite journal |author=Goldman SA, Nottebohm F |title=Neuronal production, migration, and differentiation in a vocal control nucleus of the adult female canary brain |journal=Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. |volume=80 |issue=8 |pages=2390–4 |year=1983 |month=April |pmid=6572982 |pmc=393826 |doi= 10.1073/pnas.80.8.2390|url=http://www.pnas.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=6572982}}</ref> [[primates]],<ref>{{cite journal |author=Eriksson PS, Perfilieva E, Björk-Eriksson T, ''et al.'' |title=Neurogenesis in the adult human hippocampus |journal=Nat Med. |volume=4 |issue=11 |pages=1313–7 |year=1998 |month=November |pmid=9809557 |doi=10.1038/3305 |url=}}</ref><ref>{{cite pmid|10220454}}</ref> and humans. In humans, the results have been observed in the [[subventricular zone|subventricular]] and [[subgranular zone|subgranular]] zones.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Ponti G, Peretto B, Bonfanti L |title=Genesis of neuronal and glial progenitors in the cerebellar cortex of peripuberal and adult rabbits |journal=PLoS ONE |year=2008 |volume=3 |issue=6 |pages=e2366 |pmid=18523645 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0002366 |pmc=2396292}}</ref> Both of these zones are [[allocortical]], possessing fewer than six layers. Some studies have suggested that post-natal neurogenesis also occurs in the [[neocortex]],<ref>{{cite pmid|10521353}}</ref><ref>{{cite pmid|12792021}}</ref><ref>{{cite pmid|10191348}}</ref> an idea that is disputed.<ref name="pmid11826088">{{cite journal |author=Rakic P |title=Adult neurogenesis in mammals: an identity crisis |journal=J. Neurosci. |volume=22 |issue=3 |pages=614–8 |year=2002 |month=February |pmid=11826088 |doi= |url=}}</ref> Neurological changes, including from the learning of new functions and capabilities, can occur without neurogenesis through continued development of [[white matter]], a neurological tissue that facilitates connections between neurons.
* '''New [[neuron]]s cannot be created.''' <!-- This popular idea still exists in some biology textbooks. We need a citation where it is actually said. --> Although neurons cannot undergo [[mitosis]], [[neurogenesis]], the creation of new neurons continues [[post-natal]]ly. Adult neurogenesis has been observed in [[avians]],<ref>{{cite journal |author=Goldman SA, Nottebohm F |title=Neuronal production, migration, and differentiation in a vocal control nucleus of the adult female canary brain |journal=Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. |volume=80 |issue=8 |pages=2390–4 |year=1983 |month=April |pmid=6572982 |pmc=393826 |doi= 10.1073/pnas.80.8.2390|url=http://www.pnas.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=6572982}}</ref> [[primates]],<ref>{{cite journal |author=Eriksson PS, Perfilieva E, Björk-Eriksson T, ''et al.'' |title=Neurogenesis in the adult human hippocampus |journal=Nat Med. |volume=4 |issue=11 |pages=1313–7 |year=1998 |month=November |pmid=9809557 |doi=10.1038/3305 |url=}}</ref><ref>{{cite pmid|10220454}}</ref> and humans. In humans, the results have been observed in the [[subventricular zone|subventricular]] and [[subgranular zone|subgranular]] zones.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Ponti G, Peretto B, Bonfanti L |title=Genesis of neuronal and glial progenitors in the cerebellar cortex of peripuberal and adult rabbits |journal=PLoS ONE |year=2008 |volume=3 |issue=6 |pages=e2366 |pmid=18523645 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0002366 |pmc=2396292}}</ref> Both of these zones are [[allocortical]], possessing fewer than six layers. Some studies have suggested that post-natal neurogenesis also occurs in the [[neocortex]],<ref>{{cite pmid|10521353}}</ref><ref>{{cite pmid|12792021}}</ref><ref>{{cite pmid|10191348}}</ref> an idea that is disputed.<ref name="pmid11826088">{{cite journal |author=Rakic P |title=Adult neurogenesis in mammals: an identity crisis |journal=J. Neurosci. |volume=22 |issue=3 |pages=614–8 |year=2002 |month=February |pmid=11826088 |doi= |url=}}</ref> Neurological changes, including from the learning of new functions and capabilities, can occur without neurogenesis through continued development of [[white matter]], a neurological tissue that facilitates connections between neurons.


Revision as of 18:38, 15 September 2010


There are many misconceptions about the brain and human brain perpetuated through urban legends, mass media, and the promotion of dubious products to consumers.[1]

About function

  • Humans use only 10% or less of their brain. There is no scientific basis for this assertion. Many functional brain imaging studies show activated regions encompassing well over 10% of the brain. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about this myth is that nobody has ever been able to pin down its origin. Some possibilities have been discussed by Benjamin Radford,[2] Eric Chudler,[3] and The Two Percent Company.[4]
    • This misconception most likely arose from a misunderstanding (or misrepresentation in an advertisement) of neurological research in the late 1800s or early 1900s when researchers either discovered that only about 10% of the neurons in the brain are firing at any given time or announced that they had only mapped the functions of 10% of the brain up to that time (accounts differ on this point).[citation needed]
    • Another possible origin of the misconception is that only 10% of the cells in the brain are neurons; the rest are glial cells that, despite being involved in learning, do not function in the same way that neurons do.
    • Einstein is reported as quipping that people typically only use 10% of their brains. The popular press took this as fact, although the comment was meant only facetiously.[5]
    • Lower level of brain activation does not mean a lower performance of cognitive functions; this variable has confounded scientists, because some 'gifted' individuals showed less activity than the average person. Haier proposed that indeed more gifted individuals might possess more efficient brain circuits.[citation needed]
    • Some New Age proponents propagate this belief by asserting that the "unused" ninety percent of the human brain is capable of exhibiting psychic powers and can be trained to perform psychokinesis and extra-sensory perception. However, there is still no proof of this, and neurologists say that this is not possible.[citation needed]
  • Learning can be achieved more powerfully through subliminal techniques. The extent to which subliminal techniques can influence learning depends largely on what level of perception the techniques affect.[citation needed]
    • Learning in the sense of implicit memory formation has been demonstrated even in patients who are under general anaesthetic. Words played to patients during operations were later found to influence implicit recall tasks.[6]

About structure

  • The human brain is firm and grey. The living brain is soft[7] and pale grey in color. Neurosurgeons commonly compare the healthy brain with tofu.[8] It becomes firm and darker grey when it is preserved with resins.
  • Mental abilities are absolutely separated into the left and right cerebral hemispheres.[9] Some mental functions such as speech and language (cf. Broca's area, Wernicke's area) tend to be localized to specific areas in one hemisphere. If one hemisphere is damaged at a very early age, however, these functions can often be recovered in part or even in full by the other hemisphere. Other abilities suc777777777777h as motor control, memory, and general reasoning are spread equally across the two hemispheres.[10] See lateralization of brain function.
  • New neurons cannot be created. Although neurons cannot undergo mitosis, neurogenesis, the creation of new neurons continues post-natally. Adult neurogenesis has been observed in avians,[11] primates,[12][13] and humans. In humans, the results have been observed in the subventricular and subgranular zones.[14] Both of these zones are allocortical, possessing fewer than six layers. Some studies have suggested that post-natal neurogenesis also occurs in the neocortex,[15][16][17] an idea that is disputed.[18] Neurological changes, including from the learning of new functions and capabilities, can occur without neurogenesis through continued development of white matter, a neurological tissue that facilitates connections between neurons.

See also

References

  1. ^ Sala, (1999). Mind Myths: Exploring Popular Assumptions about the Mind and Brain. New York: Wiley.
  2. ^ Radford, Benjamin (8 February 2000). "The Ten-Percent Myth". snopes.com. Retrieved 2006-04-13.
  3. ^ Chudler, Eric. "Myths About the Brain: 10 percent and Counting". Retrieved 2006-04-12.
  4. ^ "A Piece of Our Mind - About Ten Percent". The Two Percent Company. Retrieved 2006-04-12.
  5. ^ "Neuroscience for Kids - 10% of the Brain Myth". Washington.edu. Retrieved 2009-12-16.
  6. ^ Deeprose, C., Andrade, J., Varma, S. and Edwards, N. (2004). Unconscious learning during surgery with propofol anaesthesia, British Journal of Anaesthesia, vol 92, pp.171-7.
  7. ^ Kandel, ER (2000). Principles of Neural Science. McGraw-Hill Professional. ISBN 9780838577011. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ Firlik, Katrina (2 May 2006). "Another Day in the Frontal Lobe". Random House. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  9. ^ Westen et al. 2006 "Psychology: Australian and New Zealand edition" John Wiley p.107
  10. ^ Goswami U (2006), “Neuroscience and education: from research to practice?” Nat Rev Neurosci 7(5):406–11 doi: 10.1038/nrn1907 pmid: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16607400
  11. ^ Goldman SA, Nottebohm F (1983). "Neuronal production, migration, and differentiation in a vocal control nucleus of the adult female canary brain". Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 80 (8): 2390–4. doi:10.1073/pnas.80.8.2390. PMC 393826. PMID 6572982. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  12. ^ Eriksson PS, Perfilieva E, Björk-Eriksson T; et al. (1998). "Neurogenesis in the adult human hippocampus". Nat Med. 4 (11): 1313–7. doi:10.1038/3305. PMID 9809557. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  13. ^ Attention: This template ({{cite pmid}}) is deprecated. To cite the publication identified by PMID 10220454, please use {{cite journal}} with |pmid=10220454 instead.
  14. ^ Ponti G, Peretto B, Bonfanti L (2008). "Genesis of neuronal and glial progenitors in the cerebellar cortex of peripuberal and adult rabbits". PLoS ONE. 3 (6): e2366. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0002366. PMC 2396292. PMID 18523645.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  15. ^ Attention: This template ({{cite pmid}}) is deprecated. To cite the publication identified by PMID 10521353, please use {{cite journal}} with |pmid=10521353 instead.
  16. ^ Attention: This template ({{cite pmid}}) is deprecated. To cite the publication identified by PMID 12792021, please use {{cite journal}} with |pmid=12792021 instead.
  17. ^ Attention: This template ({{cite pmid}}) is deprecated. To cite the publication identified by PMID 10191348, please use {{cite journal}} with |pmid=10191348 instead.
  18. ^ Rakic P (2002). "Adult neurogenesis in mammals: an identity crisis". J. Neurosci. 22 (3): 614–8. PMID 11826088. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
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