Chapter 33, Problem 16A

Summary Introduction

To explain:

Whether human beings use 10 percent of the brain.

Introduction:

The nervous system is one of the vital systems of a body. It is a system of nerves that carry information within the body from one place to another. The nervous system helps in the perception of senses, controls vital processes, helps us to think and memorize and also controls involuntary processes. The central organ of the nervous system is the brain that is the information processing center of the body.

Explanation of Solution

The notion that the human being is able to use only 10 percent of the brain is a misconception that has been carried over for many years. There is no evidence that human beings use only 10 percent of the brain. Contrary to popular belief, human beings use 100 percent of the brain. It is only when we are asleep or at rest, we can assume that the brain is being used at 10 percent capacity, but otherwise, we make use of the 100 percent of the brain. The brain is made up of the cerebrum which does all the thinking and memory retention. The cerebellum controls involuntary actions and the brainstem controls movements like respiration. Since the cerebrum itself is more than 50 percent of the brain, and we use it in all our actions, the claim of 10 percent is a mere hoax.

Conclusion

The human brain is composed of 10 percent of nerve cells and 90 percent glial cells. It is not that we make use of only 10 percent of the brain; it is just that we only understand 10 percent of the functioning of the brain. The rest 90 percent is still under research.