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?


  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 can be inferred if a person loses their hearing after a stroke?


  The damaged region of the brain was likely responsible for hearing
• What happens when different parts of the brain are electrically stimulated?


  It can result in muscle contractions or changes in sensory perception
• What are the three types of brain scans mentioned?

  CT scans, PET scans, and MRI scans
• What is the primary use of CT scans?


  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 might happen in an MRI machine if a person is shown sad images?


  Certain parts of the brain will appear brighter due to associated activity
• Why is treating the brain difficult?


  Due to a wide range of issues, its encasement in the skull, and its complexity
• 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 functions of the brain regions discussed?

  • Cerebral cortex: consciousness, intelligence, memory, language
  • Cerebellum: balance and muscle coordination
  • Hypothalamus: regulates body temperature and signals to the pituitary gland
  • Brain stem: connects to the spinal cord and controls unconscious activities
• What are the methods used by scientists to study the brain?


  1. Studying brain damage in individuals
  2. Electrically stimulating brain regions
  3. Using brain scans (CT, PET, MRI)
• What are the challenges in treating brain conditions?

  • Wide range of potential issues (tumors, infections, trauma)
  • Physical access difficulties due to the skull
  • Complexity and lack of understanding of brain processes