NeuroQuiz Article

Let’s take a quick journey inside the mind before you test what you know. 

Your brain has about 86 billion neurons that send messages using tiny electrical signals called action potentials. These signals travel along neurons and cross small gaps called synapses. In the synapse, neurotransmitters — the brain’s chemical messengers — carry information between neurons.

Different neurotransmitters have different roles. Serotonin is known as the happiness chemical, while acetylcholine helps with muscle movement and can act as both excitatory and inhibitory. After sending a message, neurotransmitters are cleared through reuptake or breakdown.

Neurons are supported by glial cells and wrapped in myelin, which helps signals move faster. They stay charged at about –70 mV when resting. When a neuron reaches its threshold, it fires an action potential and then goes through a refractory period to recover.

The brain has three main parts — the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. When you’re awake, beta waves dominate; during slow-wave sleep, your brain stores memories.

Your hormones also affect how you think and feel. Adrenaline boosts energy during stress, cortisol rises with exercise or tension, melatonin controls your sleep cycle, and oxytocin promotes trust and bonding. Most synapses use chemical signals — fewer than 1% are purely electrical.

Finally, antidepressants often target serotonin and norepinephrine systems, helping balance mood and mental health.

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