a=soma b=axon c=dendrite e=nerve connections

Nerve cells connect to each other through the spiny passages. There are 3 parts to these. The long arms of the nerve cells are axons. The "fingers" of the axons are called dendrites. At the end of dendrites are synapses. All of these parts of the cell work together to connect cells to each other.

1=synaptic cleft 2=neurotransmitters 3=receptor sites

Multiple nerve cells connect to each other to create neural networks. It has been theorized that the certain paths of nerve cells that the brain takes is the reason for thought patterns. Although that has not been proven true, there are a few things we do know about these fascinating cells. Whenever you learn a new fact or a new memory is acquired, a connection is made. These connections grow over time. Einstein's brain was not particularly large. On examination, the only difference between his brain and the brain of an average person was the number of connections.

Neural Pruning
It is very important that many connections are made at a young age. At certain times in a persons life until the age 20, chemicals are released that destory axons that haven't made connetions. However, rewiring can be done at any age.

The Zone
The brain, like many electronic appliances, actually gives off different types of waves. These waves correspond to brain function. Contrary to common sense, when you are in the zone brain function is the neocortex is lower than it normally is, however, the function of the brain is more focused. The Emotional Brain
The Artistic Brain
The Thinking Brain
Games
Works Cited