13.7 The Brain Flashcards
State three general function of the brain.
- Controls complex behaviour
- Process information and sends out a coordinated response
- Main control centre- allows faster communication
What are the five main parts of the brain you need to know?
Medulla oblongata
Cerebrum
Cerebellum
Hypothalamus
Pituitary gland
Describe the function of the cerebrum.
Vision, hearing, speech, thinking, memory.
Describe the structure of the cerebrum.
5 lobes
2 halves (cerebral hemispheres)- joined by a band of nerves called the corpus callosum
Thin outer layer called the cerebral cortex, grey matter (highly folded)- contains mainly cell bodies and dendrites
Under the cerebral cortex there is ‘white matter’- contains myelinated axons of neurones
Describe the function of the hypothalamus.
Monitors the blood as it flows through it, and coordinating a hormonal response (by either releasing hormones itself or stimulating the pituitary gland to release hormones).
Due to this, it monitors and controls: body temperature, osmoregulation, digestive activity, endocrine functions.
Explain an advantage of the cerebral cortex being highly folded.
Large surface area
Contains more neurones
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounds the brain, suggest two functions of CSF.
Shock absorber
Removes heat/cools brain
Supplies oxygen
Removes waste/ carbon dioxide
Where is the hypothalamus located?
In the middle lower part of the brain, below the pituitary gland
Describe the function of the pituitary gland.
Produces hormones which either directly impact processes or stimulate the release of another hormone.
Where is the pituitary gland located?
At the bottom of the brain, below the hypothalamus.
Name and state the functions of the two parts of the pituitary gland.
Anterior- produces and releases certain hormones
Posterior- stores and releases hormones produces by hypothalamus
What is the function of the cerebellum?
Controls motor coordination (including balance), only functions subconsciously.
Where is the cerebellum located?
Lies below the cerebrum.
Name and describe the functions of the three parts of the medulla oblongata.
• Cardiac centre- controls heart rate
• Vasomotor centre- controls blood pressure (contraction of smooth muscle in arterial walls)
• Respiratory centre- controls breathing rate
Where is the medulla oblongata located?
Base of the brain, where brain joins with spinal chord.
