Brain Myths & Misperceptions

Brain Myths & Misperceptions Dr. Glenn H. Kageyama Brain Myth 1: We only use 10% of our brain.

Brain Myths & Misperceptions Fact: All 100 billion neurons, each with their 1,000-10,000+ synaptic connections are always active. Each neuron in the brain requires a continuous supply of glucose and oxygen. Each neuron must make ATP to support the sodium pump (Na+, K+ ATPase) which functions as a membrane “battery charger” Dr. Glenn H. Kageyama Brain Myth 1: We only use 10% of our brain.

Brain Myths & Misperceptions Dr. Glenn H. Kageyama Brain Myth 2: Right/ Left brain myth

Brain Myths & Misperceptions • Although there are functional differences between right and left brains, both brains are used for most tasks. • The right brain is more holistic and intuitive • The left brain is more analytical • The left brain analyzes the verbal aspects of language while the right brain deals with the nonverbal aspects. Dr. Glenn H. Kageyama Brain Myth 2: Right/ Left brain myth

Brain Myths & Misperceptions Dr. Glenn H. Kageyama Brain Myth 3: Brain damage is permanent

Brain Myths & Misperceptions • While there are limits to CNS regeneration, brain areas can be reassigned to restore functions lost by brain injury. • Recently discovered neural stem cells allow some regeneration by neuronal replacement. • Restoration of function can also be met by axon sprouting and synaptic rearrangements and changes in membrane proteins. Dr. Glenn H. Kageyama Brain Myth 3: Brain damage is permanent

Brain Myths & Misperceptions Dr. Glenn H. Kageyama Brain Myth 4: The brain is like a sponge

Brain Myths & Misperceptions • This concepts states that the human brain can get “full” and not be able to store any more information. • The brain is NOT limited in its ability to process and store information within the limits of an individual’s lifetime. We do not live long enough to fill up our brain’s “hard drive”. Dr. Glenn H. Kageyama Brain Myth 4: The brain is like a sponge

Brain Myths & Misperceptions Dr. Glenn H. Kageyama Brain Myth 5: The brain processes information like a computer

Brain Myths & Misperceptions • The computer is primarily a serial processing device that uses 1’s and 0’sat very high speed. • The brain is a parallel and heirarchical processing system that uses more than 70 different chemical neurotransmitter substances. Dr. Glenn H. Kageyama Brain Myth 5: The brain processes information like a computer

Brain Myths & Misperceptions Dr. Glenn H. Kageyama Brain Myth 6: Intelligence is based on brain size

Brain Myths & Misperceptions • While evolution has resulted in larger brains in the more advanced vertebrates and mammals, larger brain size does not necessarily mean greater intelligence. • The largest brain is that of the sperm whale (Physetermacrocephalus) – 8,000 gm (18 pounds) • Man’s brain is about 1,400 gm (~1/5 that of the Sperm whale) Dr. Glenn H. Kageyama Brain Myth 6: Intelligence is based on brain size

Brain Myths & Misperceptions • Homo floriensis 380 gm • Homo habilis 750 gm • Homo erectus 980 gm • Homo sapiens 1,400 gm • Homo neanderthalensis 1750 gm Dr. Glenn H. Kageyama Brain Myth 6: Intelligence is based on brain size

Brain Myths & Misperceptions • Intelligence is more closely related to the brain/body mass ratio: • Fish: 1:5,000 • Reptiles: 1:1,500 • Birds: 1: 220 • Mammals: 1: 180 • Humans: 1: 50 • Men have larger brains than women. • Women have a better brain to body mass ratio than men. Dr. Glenn H. Kageyama Brain Myth 6: Intelligence is based on brain size

Brain Myths & Misperceptions Dr. Glenn H. Kageyama Phototransduction

Brain Myths & Misperceptions • Our perceptions are created in bits and pieces and assembled by the brain. Dr. Glenn H. Kageyama Our Perceptions

Brain Myths & Misperceptions • The human brain has the capacity to assemble color, oriented lines, motion, and depth information independently from separate parallel streams of visual information processing pathways to create a coherent visual image: Dr. Glenn H. Kageyama Our Perceptions

Brain Myths & Misperceptions Dr. Glenn H. Kageyama

Brain Myths & Misperceptions Dr. Glenn H. Kageyama Our Perceptions

Brain Myths & Misperceptions Dr. Glenn H. Kageyama

Brain Myths & Misperceptions • Below is an example of how the brian is albe to automatically assemble misspelled wdors: • Arinocdcg to rencetrseaerch, the hmuanbrian is plrectfeyalbe to raedcolmpexpasasges of txetcaiinontngwdors in whcih the lretteshvae been jmblued, pvioedrd the frsit and lsatleetrtsrmeian in teihrcrcerotpiiotsons. • The fcattaht you are ridenagtihs now wtihreaitvleesae is poorf of the thoery. Dr. Glenn H. Kageyama Our Perceptions

Brain Myths & Misperceptions