Topic 7

Question 1

Annotate a diagram of the
generalized structure of the
skin.

Answer 1

Include:
* epidermis
* dermis
* fat
* glands
* hair follicles

Question 2

Describe the functions of the
skin.

Answer 2

Include:
* regulation of body temperature
* protection and immunity
* sensation
* excretion
* synthesis of vitamin D.

Question 3

Label the location of the
principal structures of the
brain.

Answer 3

Limit to:
* the brain stem
* the diencephalon
* the two hemispheres of the cerebrum
* the cerebellum.

Question 4

Label the location of the
principal lobes of the
cerebrum.

Answer 4

Limit to:
* frontal lobe
* parietal lobe
* occipital lobe
* temporal lobe
* limbic lobe.

Question 5

Outline blood supply to the
brain

Answer 5

Include:
* the major arteries
* brachiocephalic trunk (right and left
common carotid artery)
* right and left internal and external carotid
artery
* the blood-brain barrier

Question 6

Describe the principal source
of energy for brain cells

Answer 6

The brain obtains energy using glucose and oxygen, which pass rapidly from the blood to the brain cells. Glucose and oxygen are used to make ATP inside
the brain by the process of aerobic respiration. Carbohydrate storage in the brain is limited, so the supply of glucose must be continuous. If blood entering the brain has low glucose or oxygen levels, mental confusion, dizziness,
convulsions, and loss of consciousness may occur

Question 7

Explain the function of the
principal parts of the brain.

Answer 7

Include brain stem, diencephalon, cerebrum and
cerebellum.
* Brain stem—respiratory and cardiovascular
control centres.
* Diencephalon
– Thalamus—perception of sensations
( p a i n , t e m p e r a t u r e , p r e s s u r e) ;
cognition.
– Hypothalamus—control of autonomic
nervous system (ANS), heart rate and
blood pressure, pituitary gland, body
temperature, appetite, thirst, fluid and
electrolyte balance, circadian rhythms.
* Link to topic 8: The endocrine system,
pineal gland.
* Cerebrum—responsible for high-level brain
functions such as thinking, language and
emotion, and motivation. The function is
divided into three broad processes.
1. sensory (receiving sensory impulses)
2. association (interpreting and storing
input, and initiating a response)
3. motor (transmit ting impulses to
effectors).
Although the lobes do not function
independently, each lobe is associated with
certain aspects of the following processes.
* Frontal lobe—many aspects of association
such as reasoning and motivation, planning,
emotions and problem-solving. Also contains
the speech and movement motor areas.
* Parietal lobe—somatic sensory and motor
areas linked to movement, body awareness,
orientation and navigation. Also contains
symbolic and speech association areas.
* Occipital lobe—visual sensory and
association centre.
* Temporal lobe—auditory sensory and
association area; many aspects of long-term
and visual memory.
* Limbic lobe concerned with association
processes such as emotion, behaviour,
motivation and long-term memory.
Cerebellum
* Helps to smooth and coordinate sequences
of skeletal muscle contractions.
* Regulates posture and balance.
* Makes possible all skilled motor activities,
from catching a ball to dancing.