4.5.2 - Nervous System: 4.5.2.2 - The Brain

Question 1

What is the brain?

Answer 1

The brain is is made of billions of
interconnected neurones and has different regions that carry out
different functions.

Question 2

What are the functions of the cerebral cortex?

Answer 2

• Largest part of the brain
• Is the ultimate control & information processing centre in the brain
• Intelligence / Personality
• Contains sensory, association & motor areas
• Receives and produces impulses
• Has two hemispheres
• Has a surface area of 2.5m^2

Question 3

What are the functions of the cerebellum?

Answer 3

• Regulates movement of muscles in eyes & ears
• Controls posture
• Co-ordinates movements

Question 4

What are the functions of the medulla?

Answer 4

• Controls action of involuntary muscle

- Regulates heart rate

Question 5

What are the functions of the pituitary gland?

Answer 5

• Produces hormones like ADH
• Links to endocrine system
• Homeostasis

Question 6

What are the functions of the hypothalamus?

Answer 6

• Controls body’s temperature & energy maintenance
• Memorizing & stress control
• Eating & drinking
• Modulates endocrine system, linked with pituitary gland

Question 7

What are the functions of the spinal cord?

Answer 7

• Contains nerve fibres that link to the rest of the body
• Responsible for movement & sensation
• Carries signals between brain & rest of body

Question 8

What is brain damage?

Answer 8

• Brain damage is an injury that causes destruction / deterioration of brain cells.
• It causes changes in a person’s behavior & abilities

Question 9

How is brain damage treated?

Answer 9

• Studying those with brain damage
• Electrical stimulation
• MRI scanning

Question 10

What is electrical stimulation?

Answer 10

Use of weak electrical impulses through skin to help in motor tasks, memory, arousal, and language.

Question 11

What is MRI scanning?

Answer 11

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Uses magnetic fields & radio waves to produce detailed images of brain injury, where it has occurred, and to visualize the effects of brain injuries like concussions.

Question 12

Why is investigating & treating brain disorders difficult?

Answer 12

• Because of the complexity and delicacy of the brain.

- Ethical issues like getting consent from brain-damaged patients

Question 13

What are the benefits & risks of procedures carried out on the brain & nervous system?

Answer 13

• Improving the quality of someone’s life, as the procedure is used to treat a disorder of some kind.
• Risks of more permanent damage because we don’t fully understand how the brain & nervous system works.