The brain

• What is the brain made up of?

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

  Holds thoughts, memories, and complex behaviors
• What are the main regions of the brain and their functions?

  • Cerebral cortex: consciousness, intelligence, memory, language, vision, hearing
  • Cerebellum: balance and muscle coordination
  • Hypothalamus: regulates body temperature and signals pituitary gland
  • Brain stem: connects brain to spinal cord, controls unconscious activities
• What is the cerebral cortex responsible for?

  Consciousness, intelligence, memory, and language
• How are the hemispheres of the brain divided in function?

  Left hemisphere controls right body muscles
• What does the cerebellum control?

  Balance and muscle coordination
• What is the role of the hypothalamus?

  Regulates body temperature and signals pituitary gland
• What does the brain stem connect?

  Brain to spinal cord
• What does the medulla control?

  Unconscious activities like breathing
• How do scientists study the brain?

  • Study brain damage cases
  • Electrically stimulate brain regions
  • Use brain scanning techniques (CT, PET, MRI)
• How can brain damage help identify brain functions?

  If damage affects a function, that region is involved
• What happens when a specific brain region is electrically stimulated?

  It may cause muscle contraction or sensory changes
• What are the types of brain scans used in research?

  • CT scans: identify damaged areas
  • PET scans: measure brain activity with chemicals
  • MRI scans: measure brain activity with magnetic fields
• What do CT scans primarily show?

  Areas of the brain that are damaged
• What do PET and MRI scans measure?

  Underlying activity of the brain
• Why is treating the brain difficult?

  • Wide range of potential issues (tumors, infections)
  • Encased in skull, fragile tissue
  • Complexity and lack of understanding of processes
• What types of problems can occur in the brain?

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

  It's encased in the skull and fragile
• Why is it difficult to treat brain issues with drugs?

  We don't fully understand brain processes