7.2. The Structure and Function of the Brain

Question 1

Circle of Willis

Answer 1

Basilar artery + Internal carotid arteries

Provides a safety mechanism. If one of the arteries gets blocked, the “circle” will still provide the brain with blood.

Question 2

Function of Cerebellum

Answer 2

-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

Question 3

The principal source of energy for brain cells, and what happens when the brain is low on fuel from this source?

Answer 3

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 4

Difference between cerebrum and cerebral cortex

Answer 4

Cerebrum is the uppermost largest part of the brain while cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the gray matter of cerebrum

Question 5

Function of Thalamus

Answer 5

-Relay station –> it receives messages then sends the message to the intended destination -Sends and receives messages between the brain and body -Perception of sensations (pain, temperature, pressure) -Motor signal relay -Cognition

Question 6

Function of Brainstem

Answer 6

Respiratory and cardiovascular control centres

Question 7

Function of Cerebrum

Answer 7

-Responsible for high-level brain functions such as thinking, language and emotion, and motivation -Function is divided into three broad processes –> sensory (receiving sensory impulses), association (interpreting and storing input, and initiating a response), motor (transmitting impulses to effectors)

Question 8

What is the name of the lobe in green?

A. Frontal

B. Temporal

C. Parietal

D. Occipital

Answer 8

B.

Temporal

Question 9

Blood-brain barrier

Answer 9

protects the brain

Question 10

What is the name of the lobe indicated in yellow?

A. Frontal

B. Temporal

C. Parietal

D. Occipital

Answer 10

C.

Parietal

Question 11

What is the name of the lobe in blue?

A. Frontal

B. Temporal

C. Parietal

D. Occipital

Answer 11

A.

Frontal

Question 12

Brachiocephalic trunk

Answer 12

First branch of aortic branch /supplies blood to the right arm and the head and neck

Question 13

What is the name of the lobe in red?

A. Frontal

B. Temporal

C. Parietal

D. Occipital

Answer 13

D.

Occipital

Question 14

Function of Hypothalamus

Answer 14

Control of autonomic nervous system (ANS), heart rate and blood pressure, pituitary gland, body temperature, appetite, thirst, fluid and electrolyte balance, circadian rhythms

Question 15

Frontal lobe

Answer 15

Reasoning and motivation, planning, emotions and problem-solving.

Also contains the speech and movement motor areas.

Question 16

Parietal Lobe

Answer 16

Somatic sensory and motor areas linked to movement, body awareness, orientation and navigation.

Also contains symbolic and speech association areas.

Question 17

Limbic lobe

Answer 17

Concerned with association processes such as emotion, behaviour, motivation and long-term memory.

Question 18

Occipital lobe

Answer 18

Visual sensory and association centre.

Question 19

Temporal lobe

Answer 19

Auditory sensory and association area; many aspects of long-term and visual memory.

Question 20

Principal structures of the brain.

Answer 20

the brain stem
the diencephalon
the two hemispheres of the cerebrum
the cerebellum.

Question 21

The Diencephalon

Answer 21

Hypothalamus + Thalamus

Relaying sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex and regulating consciousness, sleep, and alertness.

Question 22

How is blood carried to the brain?

Answer 22

Left and Right vertebral arteries (posterior supply, primarily to the brain stem and back portions of the brain). They join together to form the Basilar artery.

Left and Right carotid arteries (anterior supply and middle). The carotid arteries split in 2: External (supply blood to face and scalp) and Internal (supply blood to most of cerebrum).

Question 23

Left and Right Carotid arteries

Answer 23

Supplies to the anterior and middle of the brain.

The carotid arteries split in 2:

External (to face and scalp)

Internal (most of the cerebrum).

Question 24

Left and Right Vertebral Arteries

Answer 24

Supply blood to posterior areas of the brain.

They join together to form the Basilar artery.