Book 10, Question 52
Why Do Brains Have Wrinkles?
Brains have wrinkles because folds pack more thinking surface into your skull! The outer layer, called the cortex, is like a big sheet. Folding it lets a lot of it fit in a head that is not giant.
More fun facts
- The wrinkly outer layer of the brain is called the cortex.
- Wrinkles give the cortex more surface area, so more brain cells fit in a small space.
- The more wrinkled a brain gets, the bigger the surface of its cortex.
- Scientists think wrinkles form when the number of cells in the cortex explodes, making the layer swell and fold in on itself.
- Wrinkles also help keep the connecting fibers between different parts of the cortex in order.
- Researchers named different kinds of folds: wrinkles are smooth and wavy, while creases are sharp dents.
Sources: Smithsonian Magazine, Scientific American, Smithsonian Magazine
Questions kids ask
Why is the cortex important?
The outer layer of the brain does most of the heavy work of thinking.