Receptors in the brain - what for?

Q: Why there are receptors inside the brain sensitive to glucose, temperature, etc.? Why the brain cannot use information about blood glycemia or ambient temperature from receptors in blood vessels or skin?

Thank you,

Daniella


A: Good question!

Let me start with the theory called The Selfish Brain, which states that the unique position of the brain as a body organ is characterized by (point 6 is most relevant to your question):

1. its chemical isolation from the rest of the body by the blood-bran barrier
2. its high energy consumption: though weighing as little as 2% of the body mass the brain consumes above 20% of all available energy
3. its low energy depot capacity,
4. its energy substrate selectivity,
5. its plasticity – ability to adjust reactions to circumstances and learn how to anticipate the consequences,
6. its ability to record information from both peripheral organs and its own environment. Read more about it - click here


From this, follows the organization of control system, which is essentially an open control system meaning it taps into the sources outside the body and the brain rules the process. Read about this here


These traits are thought to be evolutionary driven hence one more theory called The Hungry Brain


Hope it gives you an idea.

Tanya Zilberter

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