The Brain Flashcards
What does the brain consist of?
The central core
The limbic system
The cerebral cortex
In what part of the brain is the cerebral cortex located?
The outer part of the cerebrum
What is the cerebral cortex the centre for?
Conscious thought and memories
What are the three key functions of the cerebral cortex?
- To receive sensory information
- To co-ordinate voluntary movement
- To make decisions based on experience
What are the three main areas of the cerebral cortex?
- The sensory areas
- The association areas
- The motor areas
What is the role of the sensory areas?
To receive information as sensory impulses from receptors.
What is the role of the association areas?
To analyse and interpret impulses received from the sensory areas and deal with thought processes, language and personality.
What is the role of the motor areas?
To act on information from association areas by sending motor impulses to effectors.
What are the two parts of the cerebrum called?
The right and left cerebral hemispheres.
What is the right cerebral hemisphere in control of?
The left side of the body.
What is the left cerebral hemisphere in control of?
The right side of the body.
What connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres?
The corpus callosum.
What is the corpus callosum made up of?
A bundle of nerve fibres.
What is the role of the corpus callosum?
To allow the transfer of information between the cerebral hemispheres and so to allow the coordination of brain function so the brain can work as an integrated whole.
