the brain. Flashcards
what does the cerebellum do?
coordinates and controls precise and smooth movement - balance and coordination
what is the function of the cerebral cortex?
conscious movement, interpret sensory information and intelligence, language and memory
what is the function of the hypothalamus?
homeostasis- regulates body temperature and other internal conditions
what is the function of the medulla oblongata?
unconscious activities such as heart rate and breathing, controls reflexes such as vomiting, sneezing and swallowing etc
how does a CT scan work?
detector measure absorption of x-rays
different parts of the brain absorb differently - denser areas absorb more, which may indicate a tumor
the brain is shown in slices
how does a PET scan work?
patient is injected with radioactive glucose, more active cells take in more radioactive glucose - they need the most energy
the radioactive atoms cause gamma rays to be emitted, which are detected by a scanner - shows brain activity
information appears in ‘slices’
what is a brain tumor?
caused by the rapid division of cancer cells
why are brain tumors dangerous?
they can squash parts of the brain and prevent them from working properly
how is radiotherapy used to treat tumours and what is the risk?
use of high energy x-rays to kill cancer cells
can be damaging to the body and brain
how is chemotherapy used to treat tumours and what is the risk?
use of drugs that kill actively dividing cancer cells
can be damaging to the brain and body
not always successful due to the blood-brain barrier
what is the blood-brain barrier?
a natural filter that only allows certain substances to pass from the blood into the brain
why can’t the body heal spinal cord injuries?
the body is unable to make new neurones as adult stem cells are unable to differentiate into neurones, meaning that the body cannot heal damage to the spinal cord
why is injury to the spinal cord dangerous?
damage to the spinal cord reduces the flow of information between the brain and parts of the body
this can result in loss of feeling and uses of certain parts of your body
what is paraplegia?
loss of use and feeling of the legs
what is quadriplegia?
loss of use and feelings of the arms and legs
