Monday, March 8, 2010

The brain and the heart are essential organs for life, but does one require more energy than the other? GUEST BLOG




Today's guest blog is written by Mandi

The brain cells need two times more energy than any other cell in the human body. The cells that communicate with each other, neurons, have a high demand for energy because they are always in a state of activity. Even while we are sleeping, neurons are at work fixing and rebuilding components. They manufacture enzymes and neurotransmitters that have to be sent out to the nerve branches. Bioelectric signals responsible for communication throughout the nervous system demand the most energy from neurons. This action alone accounts for half of all the brain's energy. The heart, however, only requires the same amount of energy as other muscle organs.

Source: http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/carbs.html

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