How are Brain Cells Different from Other Cells?
Brain cells are different than other types of body cells in a number of different ways. Perhaps most importantly, their function is different than that of most cells. While most body cells simply carry fuel, such as nutrients and oxygen or help fight off disease or aid in clotting, brain cells have a different function altogether. Understanding these functions not only helps humans understand how the brain works, but also how to fix brain problems. One of the most common misconceptions put forth throughout most of the 20th Century was that brain cells cannot regenerate. This was a stark difference when compared to other types of cells in the body, which nearly continually regenerate. However, it is also a difference that is very much incorrect. In 1998, researchers in Sweden and the Salk Institute in California proved brain cells could regrow, though the information stored in the previous cells will likely be gone forever. Also, the way the new cells connect with others may not be exac
