B3.1.4 - The Brain Flashcards
What does your brain process?
All the information collected bu receptor cells about the changes in your internal and external environment.
What does your brain receive and process?
Information from your hormonal system
What does your brain produce?
Coordinated responses to all the information it is receiving and processing
How many neurones does an adult brain contain?
86 billion
What is the brain protected by?
The skull and protective membrane
What are the 5 main areas of the brain?
Cerebrum, Cerebellum, Medulla, Hypothalamus and Pituitary gland.
Describe the cerebrum.
It controls complex behaviour such as learning, memory, personality and conscious thought
Describe the cerebellum.
It controls posture, balance and involuntary movements.
Describe the medulla.
It controls automatic actions such as heart rate and breathing rate.
Describe the hypothalamus.
It regulates temperature and water balance
Describe the pituitary gland.
It stores and releases hormones that regulate many body functions.
Why is it difficult to investigate brain function?
Patients must give consent, there must be many case studies for reliability, it is unethical, it is hard to break past the skull, it is very dangerous and several areas of the brain may be involved in a specific function.
