4.5.2.2 The Brain Flashcards
1
Q
What does the brain control?
A
- complex behaviour
2
Q
What is the brain made up of?
A
- billions of interconnected neurones
3
Q
What are the four main areas in the brain?
A
- cerebrum
- cerebellum
- medulla
- hypothalamus
4
Q
What is the function of the cerebrum?
A
- to control intelligence
- to control personality
- to control conscious thought
- to control high level functions such as language and verbal memory
5
Q
What is the function of the cerebellum?
A
- to control balance
- to control co-ordination of movement
- to control muscular activity
6
Q
What is the function of the medulla?
A
- to control unconscious activity such as heart rate and breathing rate
7
Q
What is the function of the hypothalamus?
A
- to regulate centre for temperature and water balance within body
8
Q
What are the different ways a scientist can study the brain?
A
- studying patients with brain damage
- electrically stimulating the brain
- MRI scans
9
Q
How can a scientist study the brain by studying patients with brain damage?
A
- if a part of the brain has been damaged, the effect caused (e.g. going blind) can tell a lot about what the damaged part does
10
Q
How can a scientist study the brain by electrically stimulating the brain?
A
- by pushing a small electrode into tissue and sending a weak electrical current, ask patient to describe experience
11
Q
What happens when the motor area of a brain is electrically stimulated?
A
- involuntary movement
12
Q
What happens when the visual area of a brain is electrically stimulated?
A
- flash of colour
13
Q
What are EEGS?
A
- electroencephalograms
14
Q
What can EEGs be used for?
A
- observe electrical activity in brain
15
Q
How can a scientist study the brain by MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans?
A
- strong magnetic fields and radio waves show details of brain structure and functions
- patient asked to perform various tasks, by looking at scan, areas of brain when active visible
