module 5 - 13.7 structure and function of the brain

Question 1

what are the 5 areas in the brains gross anatomy?

Answer 1

1. cerebrum
2. cerebellum
3. medulla oblongata
4. hypothalamus
5. pituitary gland

Question 2

what is the cerebrum?

Answer 2

• largest part of the brain
• is highly convoluted (folded up)
• divided into 2 cerebral hemispheres that control opposite sides of the body
• outer layer of each hemisphere is the CEREBRAL CORTEX, made from thick grey matter
• (with help from cerebellum) controls all voluntary actions, and some involuntary actions

Question 3

what is grey matter?

Answer 3

unmyelinated neurones, cell bodies and dendrites

Question 4

why is the cerebrum convoluted?

Answer 4

to increase SA

Question 5

where does decision making occur in the cerebrum?

Answer 5

frontal & prefrontal cortex

Question 6

how is information from receptor cells transmitted to the cerebrum?

Answer 6

passed on to association areas as impulses

Question 7

what are effectors?

Answer 7

they produce appropriate responses

Question 8

how is information from the cerebrum transmitted to the effectors?

Answer 8

sends impulses along motor neurones

Question 9

where is movement controlled in the cerebrum?

Answer 9

frontal lobe

Question 10

what is the cerebellum?

Answer 10

• involved in motor control (movement)
• doesnt initiate movement but contributes to coordination, precision and accurate timing
• receives impulses from sensory systems of spinal cord & brain, and integrated these impulses to fine-tune motor activity by sending impulses to cerebrum

Question 11

what happens if there is damage to the cerebellum?

Answer 11

produces disorders in find movement, equilibrium, posture a d motor learning in humans

Question 12

what is the medulla oblongata?

Answer 12

• long stem-like structure which makes up lower part of the brainstem
• responsible for involuntary functions

Question 13

what does the medulla oblongata contain?

Answer 13

1. cardiac centre for heart rate and blood pressure
2. respiratory centre for breathing rate (with chemoreceptor cells)
3. vasmotor centres for blood pressure
4. vomiting, coughing, sneezing, swallowing centres

Question 14

what is the hypothalamus?

Answer 14

• located below the thalamus
• main controlling centre fro autonomic nervous system
• links nervous system to endocrine system via the pituitary gland

Question 15

what are the functions of the hypothalamus?

Answer 15

1. monitors composition of blood plasma
2. controls body temperature
3. controls hunger
4. controls attachment behaviours in parenting
5. controls thirst
6. controls fatigue, sleep and circadian rhythms
7. stimulates or inhibits pituitary gland by producing and releasing hormones

Question 16

what is the pituitary gland?

Answer 16

• is an endocrine gland
• divided into 2 sections: anterior and posterior pituitary gland

Question 17

which hormones does the anterior pituitary gland produce?

Answer 17

• ACTH that targets adrenal gland
• TSH that targets thyroid gland
• FSH that targets the ovaries
• LH that targets the ovaries
• growth hormone
• prolactin that targets ovaries, mammary glands, testes and prostate gland

Question 18

which hormones does the posterior pituitary gland produce?

Answer 18

• oxytocin that targets uterus and mammary glands
• ADH that targets kidneys