Fantastic Plastic Brain Quiz

About how much does an adult human brain weigh?

• 2 pounds

• 3 pounds

• 4 pounds

• 5 pounds

Answer explanation

The adult human brain is about the size of a grapefruit, shaped like a walnut, and is a pinkish-gray color. About 80% of the brain is water, 10% fats, and the remaining 10% is protein, carbohydrates, soluble organics, and salt. It has a consistency of soft gelatin. Thirty-six ounces - the equivalent of three full soda cans - of blood flows through the brain.

The brain goes to sleep when we do

• True

• False

Answer explanation

When we sleep, our brain is very active, and dreams occur. The difference between being awake and being asleep depends on which brain systems are activated at a given time.

You use only 10 percent of your brain.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

It's a myth that we only use 10% of our brain. We actually use 100% of the brain, just not all at once. The brain only composes about 3% of our body's total weight, yet it consumes about 20% of our energy, so something is definitely going on up there! Even the smallest activity uses more than 10% of our brains – how much is used at any given time depends on what we are doing.

What can happen when brain processes malfunction?

• Mental illness

• Tremors

• Symptoms related to Parkinson's disease

• All of the above

Answer explanation

When the chemical processes of neurotransmitters malfunction, mental illness such as depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders can occur. When the electrical signals don't work properly, it can lead to tremors, seizures or Parkinson's disease symptoms, and other motor system disorders.

Damage to one side of the brain will affect the opposite side of the body.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Your brain is divided down the middle and has two sides, or hemispheres. Each side controls the muscles on the opposite side of the body, thus the right side of the brain controls the movements on the left side of the body, and the left side of the brain controls muscles on the right side. If one side of the brain is damaged after stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI), the opposite side of the body will be affected.

As the brain ages, creativity and wisdom automatically decline over time.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Each person is unique and some people will have cognitive declines, but many will have their abilities stay intact or even improve with age. The brain is capable of new learning throughout our lifetimes. Those who exercise regularly and who get a lot of intellectual stimulation are more likely to learn and retain new information and skills.

Short-term memory lapse is an early sign of brain decline.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

As we get older, it is common to lose our car keys, or to forget someone's name. It can be worrying when it happens, but such lapses do not inevitably lead to severe mental declines.

The brain has three main parts.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The brain consists of three main parts, the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the brain stem, and each part has specific functions.

___________ is a chemical in the brain that is associated with pleasure.

• GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

• Serotonine

• Dopamine

• None of the above

Answer explanation

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that is associated with pleasure. Dopamine also plays a role in body movement and functions such as motivation and attention. When dopamine activity decreases it can lead to movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, as well as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. A number of medications used to treat mood disorders work by adjusting dopamine levels in the brain.

What is a neuron forest?

• A network of nerve cells and branches in the brain

• The part of the brain where memories are stored

• The part of the brain where memories are stored

• All of the above

Answer explanation

A neuron forest is a network of nerve cells and branches in the brain. Neurons are connected to each other by branches, and an adult brain contains about 100 billion neurons, with branches that connect at more than 100 trillion points and are the source for our thoughts, feelings, and memories.