Brain: Structure and Function

Question 1

The brain

Answer 1

The brain along with the spinal cord makes up the CNS
-The brain is made up of billions of interconnected neurones

Question 2

The cerebrum structure

Answer 2

-The cerebrum is the largest area of the brain (makes up around 80%)
-The cerebrum is split in half into two hemispheres
-The hemispheres are connected by a band of nerve fibers called the corpus callosum
-The right hemisphere controls the left side of the body and the left hemisphere controls the right side of the body

Question 3

cerebrum function

Answer 3

The cerebrum is involved in a large variety of functions involving conscious thought:
-Vision
-Memory
-Speech
-Thinking
-Hearing
-Problem solving

Question 4

Cerebral Cortex

Answer 4

-The cerebral cortex is the thin outer layer of the cerebrum
-It is highly folded, increasing its surface are and allowing it to contain a greater number of neurones

Question 5

Why is a greater number of neurones in the cerebral cortex good

Answer 5

-A greater number of neurones in the brain means that there are more neurone connections in the brain, increasing the brain’s ability to carry out complex behaviours

Question 6

What is white matter

Answer 6

White matter is the layer under the cerebral cortex (grey matter)
-White matter contains the myelinated axons of neurones

Question 7

How does the hypothalamus work

Answer 7

-The hypothalamus monitors blood flowing through the brain and in response releases hormones or stimulates the neighbouring pituitary gland to release hormones

Question 8

Hypothalamus functions

Answer 8

REGULATING BODY TEMPERATURE
-The hypothalamus monitors the temperature of blood
-If the temperature is too high or low, the hypothalamus will initiate a homeostatic response
OSMOREGULATION
-The hypothalamus detects water levels in the blood
-If the blood is too concentrated then the hypothalamus releases the hormone ADH which increases water absorption in the lungs
REGULATING DIGESTIVE ACTIVITY
-The hypothalamus regulates hormones that control appetite as well as the secretion of digestive enzymes

Question 9

Hypothalamus and Pituitary gland

Answer 9

-CONTROLLING ENDOCRINE FUNCTIONS
-The hypothalamus also stimulates the pituitary gland to release hormones that control a wide variety of processes such as: puberty, sleep, mood, metabolism, growth and development and sexual function

Question 10

Pituitary Gland

Answer 10

-Known as the “master gland”
-responsible for controlling a number of bodily functions
-Controls the activity of other glands

Question 11

Medulla oblongata

Answer 11

-The medulla oblongata contains coordination centres that control different functions:
-Cardiac control centre: controls heart rate
-Respiratory centre: controls breathing rate