Assessment Description:
Someday in the future, we may have the technology to transplant a human brain the way we currently do with many other organs of the body. Why do you think we cannot successfully transplant a brain yet?
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SOLUTION to BIO-201: Human Anatomy and Physiology I: Lab - Topic 6 DQ 1.
SAMPLE 1
Hello everyone,
The idea of brain transplant is a deep and multi-layered issue that would have a serious impact on science and ethical paradigms. While there are various important aspects to consider in the process of a human brain transplant, there are several reasons that explain why we cannot transplant one successfully yet. First, the subject of neural networks with the rest of the body presents the first major challenge. Joffe et al. (2021) state that the human brain consists of about 100 billion neurons and at least one billion synapses with the spinal cord and the peripheral nerve system. Simply attaching these connections, specifically the spinal cord, onto a new body is a monumental task. Modern medicine does not enable the growth of new neural structures as it would under a brain transplant operation.
Secondly, it is important to acknowledge the function of the brain in terms of identity and consciousness, which further complicates the issue. In contrast to other organs, the brain contains memories, personality, and consciousness. Replacing everyone’s brain with a new body impacts identity and self-concept beyond what most can imagine. Assuming a person had their brain transplanted into a different body, are they then the same person, or do they adopt a new identity due to the environment that the new body provides? These philosophical and ethical issues make the idea of brain transplantation even more problematic.
Third, immunity is the formidable barrier that hinders the process. Saeed et al. (2023) state that the blood-brain barrier shields the brain and the rest of the body's immune system from attacking the neural tissue. However, using a brain transplant could cause an immune response that may result in rejection of the brain or cause serious neurological effects. Today’s immunosuppressive treatment that accompanies organ transplants might not effectively address these aspects without detrimental side effects.
Finally, the ethics and the law must be included. The concept of brain transplantation raises critical questions and concerns relating to medical ethics and the law. Before these or similar procedures could be considered, questions of consent, identity, and what constitutes life and death must be ironed out.
References
Joffe, A. R., Khaira, G., & de Caen, A. R. (2021). The intractable problems with brain death and possible solutions. Philosophy, Ethics, and Humanities in Medicine, 16(1), 11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13010-021-00107-9
Saeed, B., Sheikh, N. M., Shahzadi, N., & Khan, Z. H. (2023). Shaping self-perception: The intricate relationship between self-concept self-image and body dysmorphic disorder. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 7(5), 1043-1059.