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The Brain

The brain controls everything you think, feel and do. It sends messages along nerves to every part of your body.

๐Ÿ’ก Fun fact

Your brain uses about 20% of your body's energy.

All about The Brain

The brain is the control centre of the body. It weighs about 1. 4 kilograms in an adult and contains billions of nerve cells called neurons. It controls thinking, memory, feelings, movement and the automatic jobs you never notice, like breathing.

Different areas of the brain handle different tasks. The cerebrum is the largest part and is used for thinking and learning.

The brain controls everything you think, feel and do, from solving a maths problem to blinking your eyes.

The cerebrum helps you think and learn, the cerebellum helps you balance and move smoothly, and the brainstem controls breathing and heartbeat. Messages travel along nerves to and from the brain very quickly, which is why you can react so fast.

๐ŸŽฎ Try it yourself!

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Real-life uses of The Brain

  • Remembering facts for a test
  • Coordinating your hands and eyes when you catch a ball
  • Controlling your heartbeat and breathing without thinking

Frequently asked questions about The Brain

How does the brain learn?

Connections between neurons get stronger when you practise something. Repeating and reviewing helps those connections last.

Does the brain ever stop working?

No. The brain is active all the time, even while you sleep, when it sorts and stores memories.

Can the brain change?

Yes. The brain can form new connections throughout life. This is called neuroplasticity.