The brain Flashcards
What 3 parts of the brain do we need to know
brain stem
cerebellum
cerebral cortex
What is the lowest part of the brain called
brain stem
what is the back lower part of the brain called
cerrebellum
what is the upper part of the brain called
the cerebral cortex
What two parts within the brain do we need to know and what are they shaped like
pituitary gland - small grape
hypothalamus - gap above small grape
What is the brain made up of
billions of interconnected nerve cells
What does the cerebral cortex do
decision - making, conciousness intelligence etc.
aswell as senses –> hearing/seeing
what does the cerebellum do
co-ordinated movements + balance
what does the brain stem do
primitive functions like breathing
What are the 3 ways in which we can study the brain
- study people with brain damage
- electrically stimulate the brain
- scanning
What are the two types of scanning we can do on the brain
CT scans
MRI scans
How do CT scans differ from MRI
CT scans = x-rays
MRI scans = magnetic
What do CT scans allow you to see compared to MRI scans
CT scans give you vision of brain structure
MRI scans shows brain activity
Why is it so hard to study the brain
SO MUCH can go wrong
Complex
Covered with skull so difficult to investigate
