The Brain

Question 1

Cereberum structure + function?

Answer 1

Structure: Highly convoluted which means it has a high surface area that gives it a large capacity for complex activity. Spliti into two halves - right and left cereberal hemispheres.

Function: Recieves sensory information, interprets it with respect to past experiences and then sends impulses along motor neurones to effectors for appropriate responses.

Question 2

Cereberal Cortex structure + function?

Answer 2

Structure: Outer layer of cereberal hemispheres and split into frontal and prefrontal lobe.

Function: Reasoning and Decision making occur here

Question 3

Describe each sensory area in the cereberal hemispheres:

Answer 3

Each sensory area in the cereberal hemispheres recieved sensory information from receptor cells located in sense organs.

Size of sensory area allocated is proportional to the relative number of receptor cells present in the body part. The information is then passed to other areas of the brain, known as association areas to be analysed and acted upon.

Impulses then go into motor areas where motor neurones send out impulses to move skeletal muscles.

Question 4

What part of the cereberum controls movement?

Answer 4

Primary Motor Cortex controls movement that is located at the back of the frontal lobe.

Question 5

In terms of impulses, where does each go (at the base of the brain)?

Answer 5

The impulses from the left hand side of the body travel to the right hemisphere of the brain and vice-versa.

Question 6

Cerebellum function?

Answer 6

Body Posture, Balance, Coordinates muscle movement (but doesnt initiate it).

The cerebellum recieves information from the organs of balance in the ears and information about the tone of muscles and tendons and then relays this information to areas of the cereberal cortex that are involved in motor control.

Question 7

Medulla Oblongata function?

Answer 7

Controls reflex activities such as breathing rate and heart rate
Controls activties such as breathing, swallowing and peristalsis

Question 8

Hypthamalus structure + functions (3) :

Answer 8

Structure: has two centres - one for sympathetic and parasympathetic.

Function:
1) Produce hormones (from endocrine gland)
2) Monitoring composition of blood plasma - concentration of water and glucose…
3) Controlling complex patterns of behaviour such as feeding, sleeping, agression

Question 9

Pituitary Gland structure + functions

Answer 9

Found at base of hypothamalus and divided into 2 sections.

1) Anterior pituitary gland (front section): produces 6 specific hormones including FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) which is involved in growth and reproduction.

2) Posterior pituitary gland (back section): Stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothamalus such as ADH involved in urine production.

Question 10

3 different techniques used to study the brain:

Answer 10

1) Autopsies
2) fMRI (functional MRI) scans - allows the study of active areas of the brain - increased blood flow here.
3) CT (computerised topography) - uses a series of x-rays to created a 3-D, detailed image inside the body,

Question 11

What gives the brain protection?

Answer 11

Skull and a protective layer called the meninges