13.7 The Brain Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

State three general function of the brain.

A
  • Controls complex behaviour
  • Process information and sends out a coordinated response
  • Main control centre- allows faster communication
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the five main parts of the brain you need to know?

A

Medulla oblongata
Cerebrum
Cerebellum
Hypothalamus
Pituitary gland

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Describe the function of the cerebrum.

A

Vision, hearing, speech, thinking, memory.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Describe the structure of the cerebrum.

A

5 lobes

2 halves (cerebral hemispheres)- joined by a band of nerves called the corpus callosum

Thin outer layer called the cerebral cortex, grey matter (highly folded)- contains mainly cell bodies and dendrites

Under the cerebral cortex there is ‘white matter’- contains myelinated axons of neurones

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Describe the function of the hypothalamus.

A

Monitors the blood as it flows through it, and coordinating a hormonal response (by either releasing hormones itself or stimulating the pituitary gland to release hormones).

Due to this, it monitors and controls: body temperature, osmoregulation, digestive activity, endocrine functions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Explain an advantage of the cerebral cortex being highly folded.

A

Large surface area
Contains more neurones

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounds the brain, suggest two functions of CSF.

A

Shock absorber
Removes heat/cools brain
Supplies oxygen
Removes waste/ carbon dioxide

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Where is the hypothalamus located?

A

In the middle lower part of the brain, below the pituitary gland

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Describe the function of the pituitary gland.

A

Produces hormones which either directly impact processes or stimulate the release of another hormone.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Where is the pituitary gland located?

A

At the bottom of the brain, below the hypothalamus.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Name and state the functions of the two parts of the pituitary gland.

A

Anterior- produces and releases certain hormones
Posterior- stores and releases hormones produces by hypothalamus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the function of the cerebellum?

A

Controls motor coordination (including balance), only functions subconsciously.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Where is the cerebellum located?

A

Lies below the cerebrum.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Name and describe the functions of the three parts of the medulla oblongata.

A

• Cardiac centre- controls heart rate
• Vasomotor centre- controls blood pressure (contraction of smooth muscle in arterial walls)
• Respiratory centre- controls breathing rate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Where is the medulla oblongata located?

A

Base of the brain, where brain joins with spinal chord.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Why is it so difficult to study the brain?

A

Complex
Delicate
Within the skull
Damaged easily
Some parts require studying patient’s brains which are awake, to see responses