As a cognitive scientist with a focus on neuroscience, I can tell you that the idea that humans only use 10 percent of their brains is a myth that has been thoroughly debunked by the scientific community. This misconception likely arose from a misinterpretation of early neuroscientific studies and has been perpetuated by popular culture, including movies and self-help books, which often exaggerate the potential of the human mind.

The human brain is an incredibly complex and energy-efficient organ. It's composed of approximately 86 billion neurons, each of which can form thousands of connections with other neurons. These connections, known as synapses, are the basis of all our thoughts, memories, and actions. The brain is designed to use every part of its structure to perform a wide array of functions, from basic life support like breathing and maintaining a stable body temperature to higher cognitive functions like problem-solving and creativity.

Red blood cells constantly deliver oxygen and nutrients to the brain, and glucose is the primary source of energy for brain cells. Given the brain's high metabolic rate, it's implausible that 90 percent of the brain would be inactive. In fact, brain imaging studies, such as **functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)** and positron emission tomography (PET), show activity throughout the brain, even during sleep.

Moreover, the brain is a highly integrated system where different regions work together to perform tasks. For instance, the prefrontal cortex is involved in decision-making and planning, while the hippocampus plays a crucial role in memory formation. The cerebellum is responsible for coordinating movement, and the visual cortex processes visual information. Each part of the brain has a specific function, and they all contribute to our overall cognitive abilities.

The myth may also stem from a misunderstanding of the brain's plasticity. The brain is remarkably adaptable and can reorganize itself, especially in response to injury. This ability to change and form new neural connections doesn't mean that only a small part of the brain is used; rather, it's a testament to the brain's capacity to maximize its use of all available neural resources.

In addition, if a significant portion of the brain were truly unused, it would run counter to the principles of evolutionary biology. Organisms evolve to use their resources efficiently, and the human brain, with its high energy demands, would not have evolved to carry around and maintain 90 percent of its mass if it were not being utilized.

In conclusion, the notion that we only use 10 percent of our brains is not supported by scientific evidence. The brain is an organ that operates as a whole, with each part playing a critical role in our daily lives. It's a testament to the brain's efficiency and complexity that it can perform so many functions with such a high degree of coordination and integration.

read more >>

Two-thirds of the population believes a myth that has been propagated for over a century: that we use only 10 percent of our brains. Hardly! Our neuron-dense brains have evolved to use the least amount of energy while carrying the most information possible -C a feat that requires the entire brain.May 17, 2016read more >>