We only use about 10% of our brain.

Answer: False

This is one of the most persistent myths in popular psychology — and it's completely false. Brain imaging studies show that virtually all areas of the brain are active at some point, and most regions are active almost all of the time, even during sleep. The "10% myth" probably spread through misquoted scientists and self-help books, but there is no scientific basis for it.

What are neurons?

A: The fluid that surrounds and protects the brain

B: Specialised cells in the brain and nervous system that transmit information

C: The regions of the brain responsible for emotion

D: Hormones released when we feel stressed

Correct: Specialised cells in the brain and nervous system that transmit information

Neurons are specialised cells that carry electrical and chemical signals through the brain and nervous system. The human brain contains roughly 86 billion of them, each connected to thousands of others via tiny gaps called synapses. When neurons fire together repeatedly, those connections strengthen — which is how we learn and form memories.

Which part of the brain plays the biggest role in processing emotions like fear?

A: The cerebellum

B: The brain stem

C: The amygdala

D: The frontal lobe

Correct: The amygdala

The amygdala — a small, almond-shaped structure buried deep in the brain — is central to processing emotions, especially fear and threat. When you sense danger, your amygdala fires rapidly, triggering the "fight-or-flight" response before your conscious mind has even registered what is happening. It's part of the limbic system, sometimes called the emotional brain.

The brain continues to change and adapt throughout your life.

Answer: True

This ability is called neuroplasticity — the brain's capacity to reorganise itself by forming new connections. While the brain develops most rapidly in childhood and adolescence (the prefrontal cortex, responsible for planning and decision-making, isn't fully mature until around age 25), it retains the ability to adapt at any age. Learning a new skill, recovering from a stroke, or even changing a habit all involve neuroplasticity.

The brain is divided into two halves. What are these called?

A: Lobes

B: Hemispheres

C: Cortices

D: Regions

Correct: Hemispheres

The brain is divided into a left and right hemisphere, connected by a thick band of fibres called the corpus callosum. While popular culture exaggerates the difference (the "left-brained vs right-brained" idea is a myth), there are some genuine differences: in most people, the left hemisphere plays a stronger role in language, and the right in spatial tasks. But both sides work together constantly.

What does the prefrontal cortex primarily help us do?

A: Control breathing and heart rate

B: Recognise faces

C: Plan, make decisions, and regulate impulses

D: Process sounds and language

Correct: Plan, make decisions, and regulate impulses

The prefrontal cortex (PFC), located at the front of the brain, is responsible for executive functions: planning ahead, weighing consequences, making decisions, and keeping impulses in check. It's one of the last brain regions to fully mature — which partly explains why teenagers are more impulsive and risk-taking than adults. A well-functioning PFC is essential for self-control and long-term thinking.