B3.1.4 The Brain

Question 1

Structure of brain

Answer 1

Delicate nervous tissue containing 86billion neurones, protected by skull and protective membranes

Question 2

Five main areas of brain

Answer 2

Cerebrum
Cerebellum
Medulla
Hypothalamus
Pituitary gland

Question 3

Cerebrum

Answer 3

Controls complex behaviours eg. learning, memory, personality, conscious thought

Question 4

Cerebellum

Answer 4

Controls muscle coordination (posture, balance, involuntary movements)

Question 5

Medulla

Answer 5

Controls automatic/unconscious actions eg. heart rate, breathing rate

Question 6

Hypothalamus

Answer 6

Regulates temperature and water balance

Question 7

Pituitary gland

Answer 7

Stores and releases hormones that regulate many body functions

Question 8

Brain mapping

Answer 8

Using case studies of people with damage in specific parts of the brain to workout that area’s function

Question 9

Another way to brain map

Answer 9

Placed electrodes in animal/human brains which transmitted electrical impulses resulting in movement of different body parts
—> linked area of brain to region of body it controls

Question 10

CT scans

Answer 10

Computed tomography
Use x-rays to create 3D images of the inside of the body
Abnormalities can link to change in behaviours
X-ray radiation = risk of cancer = not used regularly

Question 11

MRI scans

Answer 11

Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans

identify brain abnormalities using powerful magnets

Question 12

fMRI

Answer 12

functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Produces images in real time, so identify areas of brain with increased blood flow active when person is carrying out specific activity

Question 13

Difficulties with investigating brain function

Answer 13

• patients must give consent for medical information to be shared
• many case studies must be analysed for reliable conclusions
• several areas of brain involved in a specific function
• animal testing unethical?