how many brains does an octopus have

5 hours ago 3
Nature

An octopus has nine brains in total: one central brain and eight smaller brains, one located in each of its eight arms. The central brain, shaped like a donut around the esophagus, controls overall nervous system functions and decision-making. Each arm's mini-brain (or ganglion) allows it to operate semi-independently, managing movement, sensory input, and reflexes without needing constant input from the central brain. This decentralized nervous system enables the arms to "think" and react on their own, such as grabbing food or exploring, even if severed from the body. About two-thirds of the octopus's neurons are distributed in its arms, highlighting the significant autonomy of each limb. This unique setup contributes to the octopus's remarkable intelligence and adaptability