The brain Flashcards
What is the brain’s role within the CNS?
It acts as an interpreting centre to sort and process incoming impulses and decide on a response
What forms the grey matter of the brain?
Cell bodies and synapses
What forms the white matter of the brain?
Nerve fibres (dendrites and axons)
How much of the body’s energy is used by the brain?
20%
What protects both the brain and spinal cord?
Bone
What covered both the brain and spinal cord?
Three membranes called meninges
What fills the space within the inner two meninges?
Cerebrospinal fluid
Where is cerebrospinal fluid found?
Within the inner two meninges
What are the two functions of cerebrospinal fluid?
Acts as a protective shock absorber
Acts as an exchange medium between the blood and brain
What is the largest part of the brain?
The cerebrum
What are the two halves of the cerebrum called?
The right and left cerebral hemispheres
What are the functions of the cerebrum?
9 points
Controlling voluntary movements Receiving and interpreting impulses from the sense organs Thinking Intelligence Memory Language Emotions Judgement Personality
What is controlled by the right hemisphere of the brain?
The left-hand side of the body
What is controlled by the left hemisphere of the brain
The right-hand side of the body
What does the right side of the brain specialise in?
4 points
Art
Music
Shape recognition
Emotional responses
What does the left side of the brain specialise in?
5 points
Hand use Language Mathematics Analysis Logic
What is the outer part of the cerebrum called?
The cerebral cortex, it is grey
What connects the two hemispheres of the brain?
The corpus callosum
What is the second largest section of the brain?
The cerebellum
What does the cerebellum control?
Balance
Muscular coordination
Involuntary responses such as walking
What is the medulla oblongata?
Connects the spinal cord with the rest of the brain
What does the medulla oblongata control?
7 points
Breathing Blood pressure Swallowing Coughing Salivation Vomiting Sneezing
Where is the thalamus located?
Below the cerebrum
What is the function of the thalamus?
Acts as a sorting centre for the brain by sending all incoming impulses to the correct part of the brain
