5.2.2 - The brain Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is the function of the brain?
To control complex behaviour
What is the brain comprised of?
Billions interconnected neurones
What do different regions of the brain do
carry out different functions
Draw and label a brain
-cerebral cortex
-cerebellum
-medulla
-spinal cord
(check in rev. guide)
Cerebral cortex function
Responsible for things like consciousness, intelligence, memory and language
Cerebellum function
Responsible for muscle coordination
Medulla
controls unconscious activities like breathing and heartbeat
Why is investigation of brain function and treatment of brain damage and disease difficult?
The brain is incredibly complex and delicate.
Also, investigation of brain function and treatment of brain damage and disease carries risks, such as physical damage to the brain or increased problems with brain function.
3 methods used by scientists to study the brain
- studying patients with brain damage
- Electrically stimulating the brain
- MRI scans
studying patients with brain damage
If small part of brain damaged, effect on patient can tell you a lot about what the damaged part of the brain does.
Electrically stimulating the brain
Push tiny electrode into the tissue and passing a small electric current through it. By observing what stimulating different parts of the brain does, we can get an idea of what different regions are responsible for.
MRI scans
MRI scanners produce very detailed pictures of the brain’s structures. Scientists can use them to find out what regions of the brain are active when people are doing things like listening to music or tyring to recall a memory.
