The Role of Quantum Mechanics at Neuronal Level on Creating Consciousness

The exploration of quantum consciousness and its implications on brain function has yielded profound insights into the complex interplay between quantum physics and neuroscience. In recent years, quantum effects have been identified in critical biological processes, including vision through photoreceptors, olfaction via quantum tunnelling, and avian navigation through quantum entanglement. Neuronal avalanches, characterized by their variable sizes, have been revealed as a fundamental aspect of brain activity, operating at different critical states. Quantum fluctuations, operating at an ultramicroscopic scale, have been proposed to play a pivotal role in tipping the balance between these critical states, thereby altering the state of consciousness. This delicate equilibrium between quantum chaos and stability suggests that quantum dynamics could orchestrate significant changes in the synchronization of neuronal firing patterns, consequently impacting cognitive functions, behaviour, and the state of consciousness itself. This review navigates the intricate terrain of quantum consciousness, offering a comprehensive overview of its relevance to biology, cognitive processes, and the broader understanding of consciousness itself.