Neuroscience professor Michael O'Shea introduces us to the brain's basic physical components, theories on thought and human consciousness, and what the future of neuroscientific research might look like.

Our brains control everything we do, from walking down the street to thinking about our favorite movies. A fifth of our body's energy is devoted solely to the brain and its upkeep.

Yet despite constant advances in neuroscience, there is still a lot we don't know about how the brain works.

In this installment of the Oxford University Press Very Short Introductions series, neuroscientist Michael O'Shea offers an accessible introduction to our brains and how they process our thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Tracing the development of neuroscience, O'Shea explores previous theories on the brain and how the field of neuroscience is evolving to become more interdisciplinary.