Estimates for the human brain range between 10 billion and 1 trillion. The imprecision in these estimates is due almost entirely to uncertainty about the number of granule cells in the cerebellum, a problem that can be traced back to a study by Braitenberg & Atwood (1958). More recent work by Lange makes a reasonably accurate estimate possible: The average human brain (1350 gm) contains about 85 billion neurons. Of these, 12 to 15 billion are telencephalic neurons , 70 billion are cerebellar granule cells and fewer than 1 billion are brainstem and spinal neurons.
In a beautiful quantitative analysis of human cortex using the optical disector, Pakkenberg and Gundersen have shown that the number of neocortical neurons ranges from 15 to 31 billion and averages about 21 billion. Other forebrain structures—primarily the hippocampal region, basal ganglia, and thalamus—are likely to contain an additional 5–8 billion neurons. Total neuron number in humans therefore probably averages 95–100 billion. What is perhaps more remarkable is the normal two-fold difference in neocortical neuron number among healthy adults of normal intelligence.
The number of neurons and their relative abundance in different parts of the brain is a determinant of neural function and, consequently, of behavior. Phyla whose members have larger brains and more neurons respond to environmental change with a greater range and versatility of behavior . Orders of mammals with big brains, such as cetaceans and primates, are more clever than those with little brains, such as insectivores and marsupials. However, the correlation breaks down as we narrow the focus and compare allied species and even individuals within species—the exceptions obscure any trend. There is no generally valid equation that relates neuron number to behavioral complexity. For instance, humans of normal intelligence may have brains that weigh only half the average of 1350 gm, and in which there is no evidence for any compensatory increase in neuron density, can have normal intelligence.
Despite this reservation, there is some experimental evidence of a relation between neuron number and intelligence. Triploid and tetraploid newts have the same brain mass as diploid controls, but their neurons are larger and there are only 50-70% of the normal number . Although the locomotion of these polyploid newts is indistinguishable from normal, they take two to three times as many trials to learn a maze as do normal newts. Thus, a reduction in neuron number in this case lowers performance markedly. Seasonal oscillations in neuron number in the song nuclei of canaries correlates well with singing ability ,this observation lends further support to a notion that many of us have been willing to take on faith.
2007-06-27 20:53:17
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answer #1
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answered by Aseel 4
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2016-05-13 02:08:10
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answer #2
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answered by ? 3
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People cannot have similar numbers of neurons, since the cell division rate for all cells are control by genetics as well as environment. There are too many factors associated with the development of a human to say that all humans have the same neuron count.
I think that the number of neurons is crucial only up to a certain point. Once an organism establishes a certain neuron count, certain developmental sections can be differentiated and used. For instance, humans developing a sense of self and the ability to judge a situation on multiple merits, while other organisms that may have lower neuron counts may act only in such a way that benefits the species as a whole.
After the generating a certain neuron count, then the weight of intelligence and smarts depends on the integration and use of the available neurons. Since humans only use 10 percent of their brain's potential power, the neuron count has less to do with intelligence and smarts than how the neurons are utilized.
2007-06-27 16:54:55
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answer #3
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answered by herg 3
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It is not likely that any two people have exactly the same number of neurons. We don't yet know whether more neurons (if one could count them, which cannot now be done) mean more intelligence or better memory.
2007-06-27 16:41:29
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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no two people are likely to have the same number, since every person in different times of their own lives have different numbers of neurons. chances of two people having the same are slim. also, we have no way of counting the little things.
2007-06-27 16:51:20
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answer #5
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answered by implosion13 4
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No, especially if they take drugs!
2007-06-27 17:14:06
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answer #6
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answered by cpc26ca 1
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