The most prominent exhibit in this section is a large model of the human brain, on which a number of functional areas light up if the correct buttons are pressed. A continuous stream of information about the brain is presented around the podium. In addition the comedian, Otto Waalkes, offers in a video presentation his very convincing opinion of what’s going on in the brain.

For scientists on the other hand, in spite of all their research, the brain still remains quite puzzling. We know much more about the processes within individual nerve cells. The biochemical phenomena by which nerve cells pass on information in the form of electrical impulses are described in simple terms by means of a schematic model of a nerve cell with optical effects.

The question, “Where do the nerve impulses go?”, leads to the synapses, the points of contact between nerve cells and other nerve cells or between nerve cells and muscles or glands. At the synapses, many kinds of chemical transfer materials permit the transfer of information, and they also react to medicines, drugs and poisons. Because a nerve cell generally carries many synapses, it is in a position to process complex information. The exhibit “The Nerve Cell as a Computer” demonstrates this principle.

A separate chapter is dedicated to the role of the spinal cord as a central information centre. The construction and function, as well as the ways possible damage may occur (slipped disk, injuries with paraplegia) are illustrated by models and graphics. The “Reflex Man” demonstrates the course of a spinal cord reflex, drawing back his foot on which a heavy ball is falling. On the other hand, the spinal cord is hardly involved in the “Reaction Test”, where the speed of information processes within the brain is of crucial importance.

Further displays deal with themes like pain, sleep and the vegetative nervous system. Monitor programs inform the visitor about memory, the history of brain research, brain damage, drugs and psychiatry. And a glance at the evolution of the brain shows animal brains of varying complexity, as well as brain enlargement in accordance with human evolution - even to the point of possible dangers to modern man caused by the overdevelopment of the brain.