Chapter 1. The human brain from the neuroscience perspective

The evolution of knowledge concerning the human brain is addressed from the perspective of neurosciences, refuting Aristotle's ancient belief that the center of thought was the heart. The exponential development of brain research since the early 2000s is noteworthy, driven by technological advances that facilitated the study of brain structures and functions in real time.

Despite the advances, numerous opportunities for exploration in this field remain open. Discoveries that have improved the understanding of brain pathologies, functions and structures, as well as the molecular bases that compose it, are mentioned. Emphasis is also placed on demystifying erroneous beliefs about the brain, such as the idea that it is a machine with immovable parts, presenting instead the notion of neuroplasticity, which indicates that the brain is adaptable and modifiable.

The author recalls the initial resistance of some health professionals to the idea of neuroplasticity, but highlights how it has become more accepted over time, in part thanks to access to information and the growth of scientific dissemination. The importance of neurosciences as a multidisciplinary scientific discipline that has shed light  on many aspects of the human brain is also mentioned. Questions are raised about the structure, functions, molecular composition and possible pathologies of the brain that still need to be answered within the neurosciences scope.