Brain Myths or Facts?

Front

We only use 10% of our brains

Back

Myth

Answer explanation

Front

People are either right- or left-brained

Back

Myth

Answer explanation

• No, everyone uses both sides of their brain but the two halves (hemispheres) of the brain have slightly different functions that work together.

• Research using brain imaging technology hasn’t found any evidence of right or left dominance.

Front

Bigger brain = More intelligence

Back

Myth

Answer explanation

• Myth: No, brain size is most closely correlated with body size

• • Albert Einstein’s brain was smaller than average!

• Scientists believe that intelligence has more to do with the wiring of the brain and its connections.

Front

The brain controls voluntary and involuntary activities

Back

Fact

Answer explanation

• Fact: Yes! The brain regulates both types of activities:

• • Voluntary: Walking, eating, speaking, etc.

  • Involuntary: Metabolism, body temperature, respiration, digestion, blood circulation, etc.

Front

The brain is connected to the nervous system

Back

Fact

Answer explanation

• Fact: Yes! The brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves in your body together form the whole nervous system

• • Central nervous system: Brain and spinal cord

  • Peripheral nervous system: Nerves throughout the rest of your body

Front

The brain is a uniform mass of tissue made of one kind of brain cell

Back

Myth

Answer explanation

• Myth: No, the brain is composed of billions of specialized cells, organized into specialized functional regions.

Front

Your brain’s development is entirely determined by your genes

Back

Myth

Answer explanation

• Myth: No, different environments and experiences can change the physical structure of the brain and how it functions.

• • A person’s environment and genes influence each other and it can be challenging to tease apart the effects of both