13.7 Structure and function of the brain Flashcards
Apart from the skull, what else is the brain protected by?
Meninges - protective membranes that surround the brain
What are meninges?
Protective membranes that surround the brain
What are the 5 main areas of the brain?
- Cerebrum
- Cerebellum
- Medulla oblongata
- Hypothalamus
- Pituitary gland
What does the cerebrum control?
Voluntary actions, e.g. learning, memory, personality and conscious thought
What does the cerebellum control?
Unconscious functions e.g. posture, balance and non-voluntary movement
What does the medulla oblongata control?
Autonomic control e.g. heart rate and breathing rate
What does the hypothalamus control?
Temperature and water balance
What is the function of the pituitary gland?
Stores and releases hormones
How does the cerebrum work?
Receives sensory info, interprets it with the use of previous experiences, then sends impulses to coordinate a response
How is the cerebrum adapted in terms of its physical structure?
Highly convoluted - maximises surface area for complex activities
What is the cerebrum split into?
Left and right halves, known as cerebral hemispheres
What does each cerebral hemisphere control?
One half of the body
What is the cerebral cortex?
Outer layer of cerebral hemispheres
How thick is the cerebral cortex?
2-4mm
What processes occur in the frontal and prefrontal lobe of the cerebral cortex?
Reasoning and decision-making
