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Amazing brain cells: Do you know how many billions of neurons there are in the brain?
The brain is the center of the nervous system of all vertebrates and most invertebrates. This important organ is mainly responsible for perception, thinking and action. According to the latest research, there are approximately 14 to 16 billion neurons in the human cerebral cortex, while the number of neurons in the cerebellum is estimated to be as high as 55 to 70 billion. This article will take you deep into the amazing world of these neurons and consider the vast amount of information we don’t yet have.
The development of the brain begins in the embryonic stage and can be divided into the forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain.
The shape and size of the brain varies widely between species. In vertebrates, the forebrain is the most prominently developed, while other parts such as the midbrain and hindbrain are relatively smaller. In some aquatic or semi-aquatic vertebrates, the sizes of these three parts remain similar into adulthood, but in terrestrial quadrupeds, the forebrain becomes larger and the hindbrain develops a well-known structure— — cerebellum. These stunning changes make the evolution of the brain full of mysteries, which in turn leads us to a fundamental question about neural function and behavior.
How neurons cooperate remains a puzzle in current neuroscience.
Scientists are gradually uncovering the mysteries of the brain by analyzing the functions of neurons. Each neuron is connected to thousands of other neurons through synapses and communicates information through dendrites and axons. These signals are transmitted in the form of electrochemical pulses, called action potentials, and travel along the axon at speeds of 1 to 100 meters per second. Such rapid transmission allows the brain to respond quickly to changes in the environment.
Different synapses have multiple functions, some are excitatory and some are inhibitory. Notably, many synapses have variability, meaning that their strength changes depending on the signal patterns passing through them. This property is thought to be the brain's primary mechanism for learning and memory. Based on our understanding of these subtle structures, how can we further reveal the biological mechanisms behind these dynamic changes?
Neurons have the ability to send signals to specific target cells and form the main functional unit of the brain.
In addition to neurons, supporting cells or glial cells also play an important role in the brain. These cells are responsible for structural support, metabolic support, and guidance of neuronal development. In fact, glial cells even outnumber neurons, giving them an integral role in the functioning of the brain. So, what are the roles of these cells that we haven’t yet explored?
The evolution of the brain shows the evolution from simple multi-celled animals to the various vertebrates today. About 700 to 650 million years ago, all bilaterian animals can be traced back to a common ancestor. During this process, as the biological form diverged, so did the brain's shape and complexity. The earliest vertebrates may have resembled modern jawless fish, and over time, jawed vertebrates, tetrapods, and eventually mammals emerged and evolved more complex brain structures.
Each type of vertebrate has its own specific brain structure and function.
In the process of evolution, animal nervous systems have also developed towards higher complexity. Invertebrates, such as insects and cephalopods, have relatively complex brain structures that demonstrate their advanced behavioral patterns. Research shows that even in the simplest nervous systems, such as worms, scientists can trace the connections between neurons, which provides a wealth of data for neurobiological research.
In the human context, the prefrontal lobe of the brain controls executive functions, a part that is underdeveloped in other animals. Many neurological problems are also closely related to dysfunction of this part. This has prompted further research into the effects of disease and injury in the brain. How many unknowns do we still need to unravel in this process?
Overall, the structure and function of the brain is one of the most fascinating areas of research in neuroscience. Although we already understand the basic workings of neurons, how they cooperate in millions of combinations is still a goal that scientists are striving to pursue. The brain operates more like a biological computer in nature. How to effectively store and process information in the environment is one of the major topics for our future research. Have you ever thought about how future technology will change our understanding of the brain?
