13.7 Structure & Function of the Brain

Question 1

What are the parts of the gross structure of the brain?

Answer 1

• CEREBRUM
• CEREBELLUM
• MEDULLA OBLONGATA
• HYPOTHALAMUS
• PITUITARY GLAND

Question 2

What is the main function of the cerebrum?

Answer 2

control voluntary actions

Question 3

Which functions may the cerebrum control?

Answer 3

learning

memory

personality

conscious thought

Question 4

How is the cerebrum adapted for its function?

Answer 4

highly convoluted

increases surface area & capacity for complex activity

Question 5

Outline the general process by which the cerebrum receives & outputs impulses:

Answer 5

1. One of the sensory areas within cerebrum receives impulse from receptor.
   
   1. (size of sensory area is proportional to number of receptors cells present in body part.)
2. Information is passed on to association areas, to be analysed & acted upon.
3. After deciding appropriate response, impulses are sent out via motor neurones to effector.

Question 6

What is the outer 2-4mm of the cerebrum called?

Answer 6

cerebral cortex

Question 7

What is the main function of the cerebral cortex?

Answer 7

sophisticated processes,

e.g decision making & reasoning

Question 8

True or False?

The cerebrum is divided into left & right hemispheres.

Answer 8

true

the left hemisphere receives impulses from the right side of the body, & vice versa

Question 9

What is the main function of the cerebellum?

Answer 9

control unconscious functions

Question 10

Which functions may the cerebellum control?

Answer 10

posture

balance

non-voluntary movement

Question 11

Outline the general process by which the cerebellum coordinates movement:

Answer 11

1. Cerebellum receives impulses from organs in ear concerning balance, & information from tone of muscles & tendons
2. Relays information to areas of cerebral cortex concerning motor control.

Question 12

What is the main function of the medulla oblongata?

Answer 12

Contains many regulatory systems of autonomic system

which control reflex activities

Question 13

Which functions may the medulla oblongata control?

Answer 13

(reflex activities) >> ventilation & heart rate

swallowing, peristalsis, coughing

Question 14

What is the main function of the hypothalamus?

Answer 14

Acts as regulatory centre

for temperature & water balance

Question 15

True or False?

The hypothalamus is split into 2 centres

Answer 15

true

(1 centre for activities concerning sympathetic nervous system, 1 centre for activities concerning parasympathetic nervous system)

Question 16

What is the difference in function between the 2 centres of the hypothalamus?

Answer 16

1 centre controls activities concerning the sympathetic nervous system

the other centre controls activities concerning the parasympathetic nervous system

Question 17

Which functions may the hypothalamus control?

Answer 17

• COMPLEX BEHAVIOUR PATTERNS - feeding, sleeping, aggression
• MONITORING BLOOD PLASMA COMPOSITION - ∴ has rich blood supply
• PRODUCING HORMONES - being an endocrine gland

Question 18

Why does the hypothalamus have a rich blood supply?

Answer 18

for monitoring blood plasma composition

(e.g concentration of water & blood glucose)

Question 19

What is the main function of the pituitary gland?

Answer 19

stores & releases hormones

Question 20

Describe the structure of the pituitary gland & give functions:

Answer 20

• ANTERIOR PITUITARY GLAND
  
  • produces & secretes (6) hormones
• POSTERIOR PITUITARY GLAND
  
  • stores & secretes hormones produced by hypothalamus (does not itself produce hormones)

Question 21

What is the difference between the posterior & anterior pituitary gland?

Answer 21

anterior produces hormones

posterior stores & secretes hormones which are produced by the hypothalamus