Brain energetics and evolution

Authors
Bach-y-Rita, P Aiello, GL
Citation
P. Bach-y-rita et Gl. Aiello, Brain energetics and evolution, BEHAV BRAIN, 24(2), 2001, pp. 280
Citations number
16
Categorie Soggetti
Psycology,"Neurosciences & Behavoir
Journal title
BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN SCIENCES
ISSN journal
0140525X → ACNP
Volume
24
Issue
2
Year of publication
2001
Database
ISI
SICI code
0140-525X(200104)24:2<280:BEAE>2.0.ZU;2-I
Abstract
The human brain does not use more energy than the smaller brains of animals of comparable corporal weight. Uniquely, human functions localized largely in parts of the human brain that show greatest size increase over other an imals may be mediated primarily by nonsynaptic neurotransmission, with redu ced energy cost per kilogram of brain. This may affect the energetic constr aints on evolution.