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When I do jumping jacks, does my brain move around in my skull? If so, isn't it better to stand still?
Signed, Jiggling


Dear Jiggling:



When you run, jump and play normally your brain is pretty well cushioned inside your skull. Not only is the brain surrounded by a clear, salty liquid called cerebrospinal fluid, but it is connected to your skull with a tough connective tissue called the meninges.

Your brain is wonderfully protected during normal activity, so you should be able to run and jump all you want. But it is important to remember that babies don't yet have the same kind of protection, and their brains are much more fragile.

It's also worth remembering that I said "normal" activity like running and jumping. When you're bike riding or horseback riding or doing similar activities, you do need to protect your head and wear a helmet. The same goes for car seatbelts which can keep your head from coming in contact with something hard in the case of an accident. You're head is pretty hard, but don't be hard-headed about safety!

As a worm, the dangers we face are closer to home and closer to the ground. Unfortunately, no one's yet invented the equivalent of a safety helmet to protect us from our dangers - hungry birds - or humans eager to go fishing!

Signed,

Wendell



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