The brain

• What is the brain made up of?

  Billions of interconnected nerve cells
• What functions does the brain perform?


  It holds thoughts and memories and is responsible for complex behaviors
• What two systems make up the central nervous system?


  The brain and spinal cord
• What is the role of the cerebral cortex?


  It is responsible for consciousness, intelligence, memory, and language
• What are the two halves of the cerebral cortex called?

  Hemispheres
• How do the left and right hemispheres of the brain differ in function?


  The left hemisphere controls the right side of the body, and the right hemisphere controls the left side
• What is the function of the cerebellum?

  It controls balance and muscle coordination
• What does the hypothalamus regulate?


  Body temperature and signals to the pituitary gland
• What connects the brain to the spinal cord?


  The brain stem
• What is the role of the medulla in the brain stem?


  It controls unconscious activities like breathing and heartbeats
• How do scientists study the brain to learn its functions?


  By studying people with brain damage and using electrical stimulation
• What happens if a person has a stroke affecting a specific brain region?


  They may lose a specific function related to that region, like hearing
• What is one method used to electrically stimulate the brain?

  Using a tiny electrode to see if muscle contractions occur
• What is the purpose of brain scanning techniques?


  To visualize brain activity and identify damaged areas
• What are CT scans primarily used for?


  To see which areas of the brain are damaged
• How do PET and MRI scans differ from CT scans?


  PET and MRI scans are better at measuring underlying brain activity
• What happens in the brain during an MRI scan when shown sad images?


  Certain parts of the brain associated with sadness appear brighter
• Why is treating the brain difficult?

  Due to the complexity of the brain and its fragile structure
• What are some issues that can affect the brain?

  Tumors, infections, trauma, and mental health problems
• Why is surgery on the brain challenging?


  Because the brain is encased in the skull and the tissue is fragile
• Why is it difficult to fix brain issues with drugs?


  Because we do not fully understand the underlying processes of the brain
• What are the main regions of the brain and their functions?

  • Cerebral Cortex: Consciousness, intelligence, memory, language
  • Hemispheres: Left controls right side, right controls left side
  • Cerebellum: Balance and muscle coordination
  • Hypothalamus: Regulates body temperature and signals to pituitary gland
  • Brain Stem: Connects brain to spinal cord; Medulla controls unconscious activities
• What are the methods used by scientists to study the brain?


  1. Studying brain damage (e.g., stroke)
  2. Electrical stimulation with electrodes
  3. Brain scanning techniques (CT, PET, MRI)
• What are the challenges in treating brain conditions?


  • Wide range of potential issues (tumors, infections, trauma, mental health)
  • Fragile structure and encasement in the skull
  • Complexity and lack of understanding of brain processes
• Who's Phineas Gage?


  A man who had a pole through his head after a railroad accident. He survived but experienced a massive change in his personality due his cerebral cortex being partially removed
• The brain structure