by Tim Brunson, PhD

Brain-related human potential is dependent on the ability of a sector (i.e. neural substrate) to fully perform. Barring damage, the level of functioning depends on the thickness of neural networks in the substrate, the activity or inhibition of the nearby and/or correlated substrates, previous differentiation – as discussed in the previous articles – and the level of energy provided.

The relative focus of energy in the nervous system is associated with mental performance, sensory awareness, motor control, and autonomic functioning. Substrates are considered activated (or active), inhibited, or dormant based upon the relative amounts of activity. Activity or inactivity is related to the amounts of oxygen and nutrition (in the form of glucose) provided to the substrates cells. Modern neuroimaging methods can detect the energy levels of the various substrates.

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