Word Count: When Is A Citation Needed In APA Format

400 Word Count If A Citation Is Needed Should Be In APA Format Perso

Imagine a friend who skeptically asks, “Is it true that humans only use 10% of our brains?” I would clarify that this is a myth and that neuroscience evidence demonstrates we utilize virtually all parts of our brain. The idea that most of our brain remains inactive is unsupported; instead, different regions are specialized for distinct functions, and even simple activities require coordination across these areas. To illustrate this, consider the task of planning and executing a complex cooking activity, such as preparing a gourmet meal from scratch. This activity engages all four lobes of the brain, each contributing uniquely to the process.

The Frontal Lobe

The frontal lobe is primarily responsible for executive functions such as decision-making, problem-solving, planning, and voluntary movement. When cooking, the frontal lobe is involved in formulating the plan—deciding what recipes to follow, organizing the steps involved, and coordinating movements to chop, stir, or season ingredients. For example, selecting a recipe and deciding to adjust ingredients demonstrates the frontal lobe’s role in planning and decision-making (Kolb & Whishaw, 2018).

The Parietal Lobe

The parietal lobe processes sensory information related to touch, temperature, and spatial awareness. During cooking, this lobe helps monitor the texture of ingredients, gauge the heat of pots and pans, and navigate the physical space of a cluttered kitchen. For instance, feeling the texture of dough or sensing the temperature of the stove requires parietal lobe involvement, ensuring safe and precise handling of kitchen tools and ingredients (Gazzaniga, Ivry, & Mangun, 2018).

The Temporal Lobe

The temporal lobe is involved in processing auditory information and storing relevant memories. While preparing a meal, auditory cues like timers ringing or the sizzling sound of food cook, activate the temporal lobe. Moreover, recalling recipes or flavor profiles from memory relies on this area, highlighting its role in recognition and memory retrieval, which are essential for culinary accuracy (Kandel et al., 2013).

The Occipital Lobe

The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for visual processing. Visual cues are fundamental in cooking, from reading recipes to inspecting the doneness of food through color and texture. When checking if meat is cooked thoroughly or ensuring the presentation of a dish is appealing, the occipital lobe evaluates visual information, aiding in quality control (Farah, 2014).

Conclusion

Therefore, the idea that humans only use 10% of their brains is a misconception. Complex tasks like cooking a gourmet meal require integrated activity across all four lobes, each contributing specialized processing functions. This interconnected use of brain regions underscores that we actively engage our entire brain during everyday activities, refuting the myth of underutilization (Buckner & Vincent, 2007).

References

  • Buckner, R. L., & Vincent, J. L. (2007). Unraveling brain networks: Functional neuroimaging of the resting brain. Neuron, 56(1), 77–87.
  • Farah, M. J. (2014). Neuropsychology and the human brain. Academic Press.
  • Gazzaniga, M. S., Ivry, R. B., & Mangun, G. R. (2018). Cognition, brain, and consciousness: An introduction to cognitive neuroscience. W. W. Norton & Company.
  • Kandel, E. R., Schwartz, J. H., Jessell, T. M., Siegelbaum, S. A., & Hudspeth, A. J. (2013). Principles of neural science. McGraw-Hill.
  • Kolb, B., & Whishaw, I. Q. (2018). An introduction to brain and behavior. Worth Publishers.