• Question: why does the human brain allow complex thoughts?

    Asked by vincent to Damien, Rachael, Simon, Suzi, Tim on 21 Jun 2011.
    • Photo: Suzi Gage

      Suzi Gage answered on 21 Jun 2011:

      Hi @vincent
      This is a great question, but I’m not really sure how to answer it.

      The brain is incredibly complicated, billions of neurons with multiple connections to each other means that complex messages can be passed around the brain, so I guess that has something to do with it.

      Maybe someone else can give a better answer?
      Sorry I can’t help too much!

    • Photo: Rachael Ward

      Rachael Ward answered on 21 Jun 2011:

      Hello,

      I’m struggling to answer this too!
      I guess one thing is that the brain allows us to store and recall memories. We also have a very large “cortex” which helps us to process and work out all the information that comes into the brain from our senses.

      I think by using all the billions of neurons and trillions of connections that suzi mentioned, the brain is able to connect these memories and senses together so we “understand” them and “think” about them in the way that we do.

      I hope that makes a bit of sense – any help from the other scientists?!

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