by Chong Yee Hang

Created on: May 24, 2008

Is it only about 10 percent of human brain? Why not 20 percent or 30 percent? Neuroscientists cannot tell precisely via their laboratory biological result, while psychologists look at the behavior. How can they measure, anyway? They can't see through the brain. That's why this article wrote to No side because of the only 10 percent'. However, human brain does have many unknown or unclear, in terms of its capability, and even how the brain actually works. I agree with we might have known only little about the brain, or perhaps, we have not known what this sophisticated living computer/machine is! Thus, there is growing interest in brain research and even the psychologists is further studying the biology of the brain, in order to seek break-through.

Structurally, there is difference (microscopically) between the so-called genius and the non-genius which is the complexity of the brain neural network, perhaps. The connections among neurons (functional unit of the brain) contribute to cognitive activity in the brain, which usually related to human mind. Thus, it isn't the percentage of brain used but how efficient and effective the neural links of the entire brain work will equivalent to the cognitive performance, which lead to different intelligences and its degree.

There are many areas located in the brain but most of them haven't a clue of its functional responsibility yet. Many areas were hypothesized that each areas has relationship to certain function such as different types sensory input area (sight, taste, smell, listen, touch) and different motor output (verbal and non-verbal action). However, they (brain areas) are all working together as a team in various combinations, which give rise to more complex higher level brain capabilities, such as language, perception, memory, emotion, thinking (data-processing) and decision-making.

Besides, the brain is made up from non-neural cells (called glia cells) too. Neural cells do the electric wiring network and play role in thinking and regulation of body, whereas non-neural supporting group is explained to assist and maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of the brain actual physiology (by the neurons). As we can see, every members (all cells) in the brain has role to play in their teamwork and hence it would be a myth to say only 10 percent of the brain used.

Still, nobody can explain (near) accurately how the brain works, so do the scientists who are investigating at cellular, molecular and down to nanometer-level. The brain is too complicated and it would be too early to conclude how many percent of brain is being utilized. A huge, dynamic coordination of all members (cells) in the brain required. It could be 10 percent of the brain involves in one particular function (one type of emotion), and it should be in many combinations too. In actual fact, the whole brain is useful for optimum brain function and for the diversity of human mind.

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