Neuroscience

Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system in all organisms. It has many difference disciplines in the branch of biology, and deals with anatomy, biochemistry, molecular biology and physiology of neurons. It also focuses on neural circuits and draws upon other fields including mathematics, pharmacology, psychology, and physics.

The history of neuroscience stems back to ancient Egypt. There is evidence that back then they would drill or scrape a hole into the skull to help cure headaches and/or mental disorders. This was also used to relieve cranial pressure back in Neolithic times. Back in ancient Egyptian times, the brain was mostly considered to be "cranial stuffings". It was often removed in order to prepare for mummification, as the heart was seen as the center for intelligence.

The view that the heart was the source of intelligence would not be challenged until the times of Ancient Greece with Hippocrates. He believed that the brain was the source of sensation as well as our intelligence. His belief in sensation stems from the fact that the brain is near the unique sensory organs, including the eyes, tongue, and ears. However, Aristotle would contest that the heart was still the center of intelligence and that the brain merely regulated heat to the heart.

The view would continue to be accepted until the Roman physician Galen, a devout follower of Hippocrates. He observed patients who lost most of their mental capabilities due to an injury to the brain. This would mark a turning point for neuroscience, and the general acceptance of the brain being the source of intelligence.

Neuroscience has increased in scope and size over time. This is because of advances in other sciences which helps understand the nervous system. It has divided as well into many other disciplines, including neuroeducation, neuroethics, and neurolaw. Neurologists have developed techniques for neuroscience that have expanded massively due to further study of molecules and cells individual neurons. This has also been advanced by the advance of imaging equipment and the ability to study sensory and motor tasks within the brain.

Because of the increase in scientists studying the nervous system, there have been many organizations formed to advance neuroscience as a whole. An example of this would be the International Brain Research Organization, which was founded in 1960.

Neuroscience has come a long way since the time when people considered the heart to be the center of intelligence. With new ways to constantly view the brain in many different environments, neuroscience is a seemingly endless task. There is a common misconception with the brain that says we only use 10% of it, but that stems from the fact that we only understand 10% of it, the other 90% is still a mystery to this day.


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