Originally published by StressMarq Biosciences | Updated July 2025

Neuroscience may be a serious field, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun with it! Here are some of our favorite neuroscience jokes—clean, clever, and guaranteed to stimulate your sense of humor.

Why did the neuron stay in bed all day?

• • It had low potential.

What did the hippocampus say during its retirement speech?

• • “Thanks for the memories.”

Why did the action potential break up with the synapse?

• • There was no spark.

How do neurons communicate when they’re in love?

• • With lots of synaptic chemistry.

Why did the neuroscientist bring a ladder to the lab?

• • To reach a higher level of consciousness.

What’s a neuron’s favorite type of music?

• • Synth-pop.

Why did the brain go to therapy?

• • It had too many issues to process.

Why don’t neurons use social media?

• • They don’t like to share their status updates.

What did the amygdala say to the prefrontal cortex?

• • “You overthink everything!”

Why did the neuroscientist break up with their partner?

• • There was no neural connection.

Why did the glial cell apply for a promotion?

• • It wanted to be more supportive.

What’s a neuroscientist’s favorite pickup line?

• • “Are you my dopamine? Because you make me feel rewarded.”

Why did the cerebellum get invited to every party?

• • It always knew how to coordinate.

 

Got a favorite neuroscience joke? Share it with us on social media!

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Original Blog (posted Nov 2014)

Need a pick-me-up after another week working in the lab? Here are our top 10 favorite neuroscience jokes that are sure to give you a laugh and impress your nerdy colleagues.

1. Why did the neuron like to sleep in the top bunk bed?

 

Because it wanted to have a high resting potential.

 

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2. If some of Fred Flintstone’s neurotransmitters could talk, what would they say?

 

“GABA-daba-doo!”

 

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3. Why was the neuron sent to the principal’s office?

 

It had trouble controlling its impulses.

 

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4. Why didn’t the brain want to take a bath?

 

It didn’t want to be brainwashed.

 

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5. What is a neuron’s favorite television channel? 

 

The Ion Channel.

 

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6. What do you call a group of brains who form a singing group?

 

A glia club.

 

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7. Why does the spinal cord belong in the brass section of an orchestra?

 

Because it has dorsal and ventral horns.

 

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8. What does a brain do when it sees a friend across the street?

 

It gives a brain wave.

 

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9.How did the mother know her son would become a neuroanatomist?

 

He was always staining things.

 

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10. What kind of fish performs brain surgery?

 

A neurosturgeon.

 

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And last but not least, a bonus joke made just for StressMarq:

What do you call a Tyrannosaurus under stress? A “Nervous Rex”