The brains power lies in its synapse- there are 100 trillion connections where nerve cells pulse

information to one another in the brain.

Your cerebral cortex the outermost rind or bark of that cauliflowery mass that makes up most
of your brain isnt just a single structure. All across your brain, the cortex is divided into stacked
layers of neurons, many of them overlapping like the patches of a quilt.

New brain connections are made every time you form a memory



% of cerebral oxygen consumption by white matter = 6%
% of cerebral oxygen consumption by gray matter = 94%


Average number of neurons in the brain = 100 billion
Total number of neurons in the cerebral cortex = 10 billion
Rate of neuron growth (early pregnancy) = 250,000 neurons/minute

















The blood brain barrier is semi permeable
It has several important functions:
1. Protects the brain from "foreign substances" in the blood that may injure the brain.
2. Protects the brain from hormones and neurotransmitters in the rest of the body.
3. Maintains a constant environment for the brain.














The Pineal body secretes melatonin and neuroactive peptides. It is associated with circadian rhythms



Your brain is protected by several bones. These eight bones make up the cranium. There is a large
opening, called the foramen magnum, located in the back of the occipital bone. This is where the
medulla ends and projects out of the skull. Smaller holes in the skull, called foramina, allow nerves
and blood vessels to enter and leave the cranium.











When awake the human brain produces enough oxygen to power a light bulb





Whose brains are these? Match the brain with the animal. Put up your answers on a post-it with
your name and class, by September 5th


Chimpanzee Cat Beaver Squirrel Monkey Spiny Anteater
Dolphin Manatee Capybara Least Weasel