Exploring the Mechanisms of Thought in the Human Brain

Neural research has revealed a fascinating insight into the workings of the human brain, particularly during moments of thinking. This article delves into the intricate processes that occur within the brain when we engage in thought, ranging from simple actions to complex cognitive functions.

Neural Activity in Thinking

When we think, our brain engages a complex network of neural activity, just as it does in real-life situations. This activity can be compared to the neural processes involved in musical improvisation or neurodivergence, where there is intense activity in the frontal cortex, often without the emotional involvement typical of the "reptilian brain." For example, during moments of joy, the brain releases the same chemicals and signals as it would in real happiness, and in sad or tragic moments, it releases chemicals related to sadness, just as it would in a real-life situation.

This ability of our brain to register imagination as reality is why many entrepreneurs and business gurus recommend visualizing success over failure. Our brain starts to create a reality based on these imagined scenarios, good or bad. The brain does not have the luxury of differentiating between fantasy and reality, leading us to inhabit a mental world that can shape our reality.

The Role of Memory and Thought

Thinking is a simple yet complex mechanism that arises from memory. Qualia, or the subjective experiences we associate with memories, emerge from the bits and strands of memory. These memory associations are constantly compared with one another, with older, stronger associations often dominating. When the myelin sheath around the axons loosens, the memory bits are activated and their Qualia are activated too, creating a network of associated memories.

Memory is stored in the microtubules within the myelin wrap of neurons. When the myelin wrap loosens, the microtubules inside release their associated Qualia. Oligodendrocytes then connect these memory entities together, creating a cohesive thought process. This interplay of memory and thought forms the foundation of our cognitive functions.

The Brain's Physical Structure and Functions

The brain is comprised of over 90 billion neurons, each sending out action potentials at varying rates. These action potentials can be likened to the vibrations of musical strings, creating patterns of activity that contain the information of our brain. These patterns are responsible for both bodily functions and cognitive functions.

Bodily functions, such as heartbeats, breathing, and digestion, are maintained by homeostatic mechanisms that keep us alive. Cognitive functions, including thinking, memory, and perception, are primarily unconscious, with awareness arising from moments of intuition or complete task recognition. The phrase "I will sleep on it" is a common admission that our brain is active, even when we are unaware of our thoughts.

Cognitive Functions and Thought Processes

Understanding the concrete manifestations of abstract thought is crucial for sharing and interpreting cognitive processes. Different individuals use different thought processes to convert abstract ideas into concrete thoughts. Some individuals visualize their thoughts, imagining mental images. Others may use auditory imagery and an inner voice to process their thoughts. Some may talk their thoughts internally or even aloud, creating a verbal narrative of their inner processes.

By understanding these diverse thought processes, we can better appreciate the complexity of the human brain and the varied ways in which it functions to create and process thoughts. Whether through visualization, auditory imagery, or verbalization, our brains are constantly working to create and refine our cognitive landscape.

Overall, the mechanisms of thought in the human brain are a fascinating field of study. Continued research in neural activity, brain memory, and cognitive functions will undoubtedly lead to further advancements in our understanding of how the mind works and how we can enhance our cognitive capabilities.