Chapter 8 - The Brain Flashcards
What is the main type of cell in the brain?
Neurones
How many neurones are there in a typical brain?
About 86 billion
Describe the general function of the brain.
To control the body’s functions and process information.
Describe the function of the cerebral cortex.
Controls:
- Senses
- Language
- Memory
- Behaviour
- Consciousness
Describe the function of the cerebellum.
Controls:
- Balance
- Posture
- Coordinates timing & fine control of muscle activity.
Describe the function of the medulla oblongata.
Controls:
- Heart rate
- Breathing rate
- Reflexes such as vomiting/sneezing
Describe the function of the spinal cord.
Consists of many nerves that carry information between the brain and the rest of the body.
Describe how the case of Phineas Gabe led scientists to think that personality is controlled by the pre-frontal cortex.
Gabe’s personality changed after an injury that damaged his prefrontal cortex.
Where is broca’s area?
In the lower area of the left frontal lobe.
Which side of the body does the right hemisphere control?
Left
- What are electrode probes useful for?
2. How are they used?
- Allows the functions of the brain to be investigated.
2. By applying electrical currents directly to the brain.
- What is a CT/CAT scan useful for?
2. How is it done?
- Shows the shapes of the structures of the brain to test function.
- An x-ray beam moves in a circle around the head, and detectors measure the absorption pf the x-rays.
- What is a PET scan useful for?
2. How is it done?
- Shows brain activity.
- Patient is injected with radioactive glucose. More active cells take in more glucose than less active ones (for respiration).
Why does damage to the spinal cord cause loss of function in the limbs?
It reduces the flow of information between the brain and parts of the body.
Why do broken bones or torn ligaments repair but damage to the spinal cord does not?
There are no stem cells in the spinal cord that can differentiate into neurones.
