Top 10 Awesome Facts About the CNS

Top 10 Awesome Facts About the CNS 

The CNS is the most complex and interesting system in the human body. It comprises the brain and spinal cord, which is the body's control center; thus, processing information to help coordinate responses. In so many ways-from controlling automatic activities to enabling conscious thought-it is central to survival and daily activity. Here are the top 10 amazements about the CNS that will leave you dazed by this intricate network.  1. The brain is the most complex organ in the body

The CNS of which a part is human brain, is the most complex organ in science. The human brain contains approximately 86 billion neurons and each can connect to thousands of others; hence there are trillions of connections that control everything: emotions, thoughts, and memories, to movement and behavior.

It is indeed fascinating that no two brains are alike. Different neural connections in every person's brain lead to varying thought processes, personalities, and abilities. Even though so much has been achieved in neuroscience, much about the functioning of the brain remains a mystery, not matched by its complexity.

2. Your Brain Uses 20% of Your Body's Energy

Although the brain makes up just about 2% of your body weight, it consumes 20% of the body's energy. This energy is primarily utilized to maintain communication between neurons and by many processes including signaling, maintaining focus, and information processing.

Most of the energy is from glucose, which is the fuel of the brain. A balanced diet that supports the demands for energy must therefore be maintained to maintain health in the brain.

3. The CNS Can Process Information Faster Than a Computer

The central nervous system processes information at extremely high velocities. Neurons of the CNS use electrical impulses to transmit messages, moving at 120 meters per second; that is about 268 miles per hour. This gives us quick responses to anything happening in our environment and can enable us to yank our hand away from the hot surface in a near-instantaneous reaction.

While modern computers are fast, they yet cannot replicate the brain's ability to process multiple types of information simultaneously (such as visual, auditory, and emotional data)

4. The Brain Produces Electrical Activity Like a Light Bulb

It makes much electrical activity, equivalent to around **20 watts of power when at rest**. To help put that in perspective, running a small light bulb takes around that amount of energy. Electrical activity arises from the activity of the neurons in sending and receiving their electrical signals, and thereby allowing the brain to 'speak' to the rest of the body.

Even the activity of the brain can be measured using electroencephalography, a technique that detects electrical impulses in the brain and is often used to study sleep, brain disorders, and cognitive functions.

5. The CNS Never Sleeps 

Even when you are sleeping, your central nervous system is still active. The brain during sleep is busy processing memories, clearing toxins, and repairing cells. The brain cycles through different stages of sleep, including REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and non-REM sleep, each serving specific functions.

Of greater interest here is that as one sleeps, the brain continues fortifying connections between the nerves, consolidates learning and improves memory. Therefore proper sleep is an essential attribute of brain health and correct function.

6. Spinal Cord Acts as a Super Highway for Nerve Signals

The spinal cord is another essential part of the CNS. It is a high-speed communication highway that transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body, which enables movement, sensation, and reflex actions.

The spinal cord has 31 pairs of nerves, which branch out to reach various parts of the body. Damage to the spinal cord can disrupt these signals, causing paralysis or loss of sensation in specific areas. This demonstrates the importance of the spinal cord in the CNS.

7. Your Brain Is Made Mostly of Fat

Amazingly, 60% of the brain's dry weight are fats, which is also the fattiest organ of the human body. That fat insulates the neurons and ensures that the signal transmission is effective.

Omega-3 fatty acids are key to healthy fats and thus indispensable for brain development and working. They maintain neural cell membranes; they improve cognitive functions as well as safeguard the human brain against neurodegenerative diseases.

8. Neuroplasticity: The Brain Can Rewire Itself

The brain is highly adaptable, with the notable ability known as neuroplasticity. It simply refers to an individual's ability to rearrange and develop new neural connections across their lifespan through the effect of learning, experience, or injury.

For instance, if one part of the brain is damaged, another part can sometimes take over its function. Neuroplasticity is what allows us to learn new skills, recover from brain injuries, and adapt to changes in our environment.  

9. The CNS Contains More Connections Than Stars in the Milky Way

The human brain hosts a huge and intricate network of neurons. Over 100 trillion synapses provide for the number of neuronal interconnections in the CNS surpasses the stars within the Milky Way galaxy.

The connections in the CNS permit it to process and integrate large information; this is what enables us to think, feel, learn, and to relate with the world that is around us. Everything-whether thought, action, or memory-corporates to specific patterns of neural activity.

10. The CNS Controls Reflex Actions Without Involving the Brain

There are certain actions that do not involve the brain; they are called reflexes. The spinal cord controls these reflexes by sending quick signals to muscles to respond to certain stimuli. For instance, if you touch something sharp, your hand withdraws immediately before your brain even registers the pain.

These reflex actions play an important role and contribute toward survival because most of these allow rapid and immediate action in the presence of some danger or harmful stimulus that does not require waiting to process information from the brain.

The central nervous system is simply mind-blowing. It governs everything in your body, from breathing and heart rate to emotions, thoughts, movement, and other processes. Scientists and researchers around the world are left awestruck by this organ's complexity and efficiency.

Understanding and caring for your CNS through a healthy diet, regular exercise, proper sleep, and mental stimulation is the best way to take care of your brain and nervous system throughout your entire life. As we have advanced in science, so have our understandings about the intricate system that makes us, us.

The next time you solve a puzzle, react to a surprise, or even dream, remember how fantastic your CNS really is!