Chapter 7.2 The Brain Flashcards
The brains function
The brain controls and regulates body functions.
What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?
Brains can be imaged through MRI, showing different types of tissue, can be used to indicate tumors or brain injury.
What is Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)?
fMRI indicated blood flow in the brain and can be used to diagnose stroke or disease.
What is the Cerebrum?
Comprised 80% of the brain, and is folded to increase the surface area.
Functions:
- Processes sensory infomation (senses)
- Complex thought processes
- Voluntary movement
Right Cerebrum Hemisphere
Controls movement of the left side of the body.
Manages emotional, creative, music and art.
Left Cerebrum Hemisphere
Controls movement of the right side of the body.
Has more control of logical thinking or language.
Cerebral Cortex
Formed of the outer layer of the cerebrum. Folded giving it a high surface area and a high quantity of neurons.
What are the 4 lobes of the cerebral cortex called?
Frontal lobe, Parietal lobe, occipital lobe, temporal lobe.
Frontal lobe
Controls movement, higher order thinking, reasoning, problem solving and emotion.
Parietal lobe
contains the primary somatosensory cortex - processes sense of touch.
Occipital lobe
Contains primary visual cortex - processes visual information.
Temporal lobe
contains the primary auditory cortex - processes sound in the left hemisphere and is responsible for language and speech.
The cerebellum
Responsible for coordination and balance.
The medulla / brainstem
A section connecting the brain to the spinal cord, damage to it is fatal.
Responsible for non-voluntary functions like breathing, blood pressure, heart rate.
Protection of brain and spinal cord
Brain is encased in the cranium, spinal cord in the vertebrae. They are both suspended in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to provide nutrients and absorb shock.
