The Brain Flashcards
What is the brain a part of
The central nervous system
What is the brain made up of
Billion sod interconnected neurones
What is the brain in control of
All of our complex behaviours
It controls and coordinates everything we do
What are the 4 regions of the brain
Cerebral cortex
Medulla
Cerebellum
Spinal cord
Where and what is the cerebral cortex responsible for
On top and at the front (the outer wrinkly bit)
It’s responsible for things like consciousness, intelligence, memory and language
Where and what does the medulla control
Bottom of brain at the top of the spinal cord
It controls the unconsciousness activities, which are things you don’t have to think about
This is like breathing and your heart rate
Where and what is the cerebellum responsible for
It’s responsible for muscle coordination
What are the 3 ways neuroscientists study the brain
Studying patients with brain damage
Electrically stimulating the brain
MRI scans
Why do neuroscientists study patients with brain damage
Because If a small bit of the brain has been damaged the effect it has on the patient can tell you ally about what the damaged part of the brain does
How and why is the brain electrically stimulated
You push a tiny electrode into the tissue and give it a small zap of electricity this stimulates different parts of the brain and by observing this it’s possible to get an idea of what those parts do
Why are MRI scans used to study the brain
It produces a very detailed picture of the rain and scientists use it to find out what areas of the brain are active when people are doing things like listening to music
What and why are there consequences with messing with the brain
Because the brain is incredibly complex and delicate
You can cause physical damage to the brain or increased problems with brain function
