Body Facts: Nervous System
- The brain uses about 20% of our energy, although it only makes up about 2% of our body weight.
- It is estimated that there are between 100 billion to 1 trillion nerve cells in the brain.
- It’s not the number of brain cells but the connections between them (synapses) that account for the brain capacity. Each brain cell has established about 10,000 synapses to other brain cells.
- Contrary to earlier findings, brain cells are capable of renewing themselves.
- If some parts of the brain are damaged due to a stroke, other areas of the brain may take over the lost functions, if trained properly.
- The brain and spinal cord are surrounded and protected by cerebrospinal fluid.
Facts courtesy of BODY WORLDS.
Image: Gunther von Hagens, Institute for Plastination, Heidelberg, Germany, www.bodyworlds.com.
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Animal Inside Out
A stunning look inside the animal kingdom from the creators of BODY WORLDS.
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Space Junk
A visually stunning exploration of our planet's perilous ring of orbiting debris.
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Air Racers
Ride along as elite pilots fight for position, wingtip-to-wingtip, in the fastest motor sport.
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- Coming Soon
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Inventive Genius Lecture: Empires of Light
Jill Jonnes discusses the electric clashes between Edison, Tesla and Westinghouse.
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The Wooded Isle and Gardens of the World's Fair
Cathy Maloney discusses the gardens of the World's Fairs and tours the Wooded Isle.
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The Wooded Isle and Gardens of the World's Fair
Cathy Maloney returns to discuss World's Fair gardens and tour the Wooded Isle.
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