Image of the brain. Reference retrieved from here.
1. How much does an adult human brain weigh in pounds?
Answer: around three pounds.
2. Which lobe in the brain is involved in decision making?
Answer: the frontal lobe.
3. True or false: we only use 10% of our brain.
Answer: false! Scientists completely debunked this myth and believe that we use 100% of our brain on a daily basis.
4. What percentage of the human brain consists of fat?
Answer: around 60%.
5. How fast (mph) do neurons send information to your brain?
Answer: 150 mph.
6. Which lobe in the brain is responsible for short-term memory?
Answer: the temporal lobe.
7. How many pain receptors are in the brain?
Answer: none! The brain does not feel pain. Headache pain is linked to other nerves (e.g., nerves in your head’s blood vessels).
8. Your brain produces enough electricity to power a…?
Answer: lightbulb. Specifically, a low-wattage lightbulb!
9. Which part of the brain usually deteriorates first in Alzheimer’s patients?
Answer: the hippocampus. It is important for memory.
10. What is the name of the protective barrier that stops harmful substances from entering the brain?
Answer: the blood brain barrier.
11. Which “feel-good” chemical in the brain is often linked to drug and gambling addictions?
Answer: dopamine. This chemical is linked to the brain’s reward system.
12. Which chemical produced in the brain is a natural pain reliever?
Answer: endorphins. You release endorphins when you laugh, exercise, or even volunteer!
13. True or false: the brain is the most cholesterol-rich organ in your body.
Answer: true. Not all cholesterol is bad! Cholesterol is important for cell and hormone production.
14. Sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia is the (complex!) scientific name for what headache commonly experienced after eating ice cream?
Answer: brain freeze! It’s also called an ice cream headache.
15. How many neurons are in the human brain?
Answer: around 86 billion.
16. Which lobe in the brain is involved with vision?
Answer: the occipital lobe.
17. How many nerves are found inside the cranium (i.e., cranial nerves)?
Answer: twelve.
18. Is grey matter located in the inner or outer section of the brain?
Answer: the outer section.
19. What is the largest part of the brain called?
Answer: the cerebrum. It impacts many areas like movement, problem-solving, learning, and emotions.
20. What is the name of the point where the brain and spinal cord meet?
Answer: the medulla.
21. Which part of the brain is nicknamed “the little brain?”
Answer: the cerebellum.
22. What “master gland” in the brain controls all other bodily glands?
Answer: the pituitary gland.
23. True or false: exercise can improve memory.
Answer: true. Research suggests that exercises like walking can help.
24. Which lobe in the body helps us to understand spatial relationships?
Answer: the parietal lobe.
25. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease mainly defined by weakness of the….?
Answer: muscles. Patients experience difficulties in speech and movement.
About the Author
Yasmin is a McMaster University graduate and Program Coordinator at SCIFAA. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Chemistry and a Minor in Environmental Sciences.
SCIFAA 