Inside the Human Brain

About Inside the Human Brain

Inside the Human Brain is a free general knowledge quiz with 15 multiple-choice questions with a mix of 6 easy, 6 medium, 3 hard questions. Test what you know about memory, the senses' command center, and the most mysterious organ in the body. A typical run takes about 7 minutes, hints are always one tap away, and your streak ticks up the first time you finish a game on a given day.

A few sample questions

1. 1. Roughly how much does the average adult human brain weigh?

   Answer: About 3 pounds

   The average adult brain weighs about 3 pounds (1.3 kg) — roughly the size and heft of a small cantaloupe. Despite its modest weight, it consumes about 20% of the body's total energy.

2. 2. What is the name of the brain's 'memory center' — the structure most responsible for forming new long-term memories?

   Answer: Hippocampus

   The hippocampus, a seahorse-shaped structure deep in the brain, is essential for converting short-term experiences into lasting long-term memories. Its name comes from the Greek word for seahorse.

3. 3. What percentage of the brain is made up of water?

   Answer: About 73%

   The brain is about 73% water, which is why even mild dehydration can affect concentration and memory. Staying well hydrated is one of the simplest things you can do for brain health.

4. 4. The left and right halves of the brain are connected by a thick bundle of nerve fibers. What is this structure called?

   Answer: Corpus callosum

   The corpus callosum is a broad band of about 200 million nerve fibers that serves as the main communication highway between the brain's two hemispheres. 'Corpus callosum' is Latin for 'tough body.'

5. 5. Which part of the brain controls balance, coordination, and fine motor movements?

   Answer: Cerebellum

   The cerebellum, located at the back and bottom of the brain, fine-tunes movement and helps you keep your balance. Its name is Latin for 'little brain,' and it contains more than half of all the brain's neurons.

Things you'll learn along the way

• ✓Neurons are the specialized nerve cells that transmit information throughout the brain and body. The human brain contains roughly 86 billion neurons, each capable of connecting to thousands of others.
• ✓The cerebral cortex is the deeply folded outer layer of the brain responsible for thought, language, perception, and voluntary movement. Its folds and wrinkles dramatically increase its surface area — if spread flat, it would be about the size of a pillowcase.
• ✓The amygdala, an almond-shaped structure deep in the brain, acts as an emotional alarm system — firing instantly when danger or strong emotions are detected. Its name comes from the Greek word for almond.