The brain

Question 1

What is the function of the brain?

Answer 1

To control complex behaviours

Question 2

What is the brain made up of?

Answer 2

Billions of inter connected neurones + has different regions that carry out different functions

Question 3

What are the main 3 parts of the brain?

Answer 3

Cerebral cortex
Cerebellum
Medulla

Question 4

What is the function of the medulla ?

Answer 4

Controls unconscious activities
e.g
breathing, blinking, heart rate

Question 5

What is the function of the cerebral cortex?

Answer 5

Controls conscious activities
e.g
language, intelligence, memory, problem solving

Question 6

What is the function of the cerebellum?

Answer 6

Controls muscle co-ordination
e.g
Posture, balance, speech movement

Question 7

Why is studying the brain difficult?

Answer 7

The brain is …….

1) . Super fragile and delicate and easy to damage
2) .Protected by skull so hard to access
3) . Very complex and we do not fully understand it. We cannot be sure which regions are responsible for.

Question 8

Neuroscientists have been able to map out the regions of the brain by…….

Answer 8

1) . Studying patients with brain damage
2) .Electrically stimulating the brain
3) . Using MRI scanning.

Question 9

In more detail, how has STUDYING PATIENTS WITH BRAIN DAMAGE allowed scientists to gain a better understanding of the brain?

Answer 9

Observing changes in an individual following brain damage on a certain area of the brain can provide information on the ROLE this area has.

Question 10

In more detail, how has ELECTRICALLY STIMULATING DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE BRAIN allowed scientists to gain a better understanding of the brain?

Answer 10

• Can be one by pushing electrode into the brain
• The stimulation may result in MENTAL or PHYSICAL response/change in the individual and provides information on the ROLE this area has.
• Can be used to treat different brain disorders e.g Parkisnsons’.

Question 11

In more detail, how has USIN MRI SCANNING TECHNIQUES allowed scientists to gain a better understanding of the brain?

Answer 11

• MRI scanner creates pictures of brain activity in slices and gives a live feed of brain activity
  This can be used to show which parts are affected by a tumour or which parts are active during a specific task

Question 12

Are MRI scans safe?

Answer 12

• No ionising radiation so no harm
• unless patient has metalic , particularly magnetic implants
• pacemakers limited or not allowed