Brain Myths Exploded: Lessons from Neuroscience Season 1 Episode 11 Do You Have 5 Independent Senses?

Brain Myths Exploded: Lessons from Neuroscience is a documentary series that explores various misconceptions about the human brain and nervous system and debunks them with evidence-based insights. In season 1 episode 11, titled "Do You Have 5 Independent Senses?", the show delves into the concept of the five senses that we are familiar with – sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.

The episode begins by acknowledging that most people have grown up believing that we have five inherent senses that work independently of each other. However, the host, a neuroscientist, challenges this notion and sets out to explore the truth behind it. She explains that although these five senses are broadly categorized, they are interconnected and work together to give us a wholesome sensory experience.

The first misconception that the episode seeks to dispel is that of sight being a simple, single sense. The host explains that vision is not merely a function of the eyes, but also of the brain and its complex neural pathways that interpret and process visual information. She uses examples of optical illusions and describes how the brain fills in the gaps and makes sense of incomplete images.

Moving on to hearing, the show points out that the inner ear is responsible for not just sound perception but also for balance and spatial orientation. Footage of people with hearing impairments highlights the interconnectedness of senses and how a lack of hearing affects other areas of one's life.

When it comes to touch, the episode challenges the belief that our skin is the only sensory receptor in our bodies. The host explains that our muscles, joints, and internal organs also have sensory receptors that contribute to our sense of touch and body awareness. She uses a test involving the sense of touch and physical awareness to differentiate between the sensations.

The show then explores the often-overlooked sense of smell and its relationship with taste. The host explains that the perception of flavor is not just limited to the taste buds on our tongue, but also heavily influenced by our sense of smell. She takes the viewers through a taste test that drives home the point.

The last segment of the show deals with the concept of a sixth sense. While it is not a scientifically proven concept, the episode looks at examples of people with extraordinary abilities – like being able to identify shapes without visual aid – and poses the question of whether there may be undiscovered senses that certain individuals possess.

Overall, Brain Myths Exploded: Lessons from Neuroscience season 1 episode 11 is an engaging and informative exploration of the interconnectedness of our senses and how they work in tandem to create a cohesive sensory experience. It highlights the complexity of the human nervous system and refutes some long-held misconceptions about our senses.