Your Amazing Brain

Faster than the fastest computer, your amazing brain controls every move you make. One scientist called the brain “the most complex thing that scientists have ever studied.”

Your brain tells your muscles when and how to move. It helps you feel emotions, laugh and cry. It allows you to learn new things and get out of the way of danger. Your brain keeps working even when you’re sleeping sending the signals that make your heart beat and your lungs draw in breath.

 Inside your brain are billions of microscopic cells called neurons. Neurons send electrical and chemical messages to your body. Scientists say that your brain sends more messages everyday than all the phones in the world. Now that’s a lot of texting!

Neurons are joined by tiny pathways or roads. When you do something a lot – like ride your bike – the pathways in your brain that send messages about bike riding become stronger. Practice really does make perfect because it makes strong neural pathways. When you exercise, blood flow to the brain increases and your brain sends out hormones that can help you learn. By the way, the neurons in your brain make enough electricity to power a low-watt light bulb.