Yearning for Learning
So your brain's always busy, and guess what? It's been that way all your life! When you were very small, you couldn't do too much - you weren't able to tell time, get dressed, or even talk! But your brain was ready to learn all these things and much more, because it's armed with neurons (say: nur-onz).

The nervous system is made up of millions and millions of these microscopic cells. Each neuron has tiny branches coming off it that let it connect to many other neurons. When you were first born, your brain came with all the neurons it will ever have, but many of them were not connected to each other. When you learn things, the messages travel from one neuron to another, over and over. Eventually, the brain starts to create connections (or pathways) between the neurons, so things become easier and you can do them better and better.

Think back to the first time you rode a bike. Your brain had to think about pedaling, staying balanced, steering with the handlebars, watching the road, and maybe even hitting the brakes - all at once. Hard work, right? But eventually, as you got more practice, the neurons sent messages back and forth until a pathway was created in your brain. Now you can ride your bike without thinking about it because the neurons have successfully created a "bike" pathway.

Emotion Location
With all the other things it does, is it any surprise that the brain runs your emotions? Maybe you got the exact toy you wanted for your birthday, and you're really happy. Or your friend is sick, and you feel sad. Or your little brother messed up your room, so you're really angry! Have you ever wondered where those feelings come from? They all come from your brain, which controls every emotion you feel.

Your brain has a little bunch of cells on each side called the amygdala (say ah-mig-duh-luh). The word amygdala is Latin for almond, and that's what this area looks like. Scientists believe that the amygdala is responsible for emotion. So when you feel sad about a friend moving away, your amygdala is hard at work. But the amygdala's job isn't all bad - it also makes you feel really excited about winning your soccer game.

It's normal to feel all different kinds of emotions, good and bad. Sometimes you might feel a little sad and wonder why. And sometimes you might feel scared, or silly, or glad. These feelings are all part of what makes us human.

Be Good to Your Brain
Now you know a little more about all the cool stuff your brain can do. Your brain's always looking out for you, so return the favor! Treat your brain well by eating good foods, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Protect your brain by always wearing a helmet when playing sports or riding your bicycle. And don't drink alcohol, take drugs, or use tobacco - the cells in your brain hate this stuff because it kills them! Take care of the boss of your body and it won't let you down - it's the hardest worker around.

Updated and reviewed by: Kim Rutherford, MD
Date reviewed: November 2002
Originally reviewed by: Lisa Zaoutis, MD