The Brain

• What are the two main components of the central nervous system (CNS)?

  The brain and spinal cord
• Which part of the brain is concerned with unconscious activities like heartbeat and breathing?

  Medulla
• Which part of the brain is associated with consciousness, intelligence, memory, and language?

  Cerebral cortex
• What is the main function of the cerebellum?

  Coordinating muscular activity and balance
• Besides the brain, what other organ makes up the central nervous system?

  Spinal cord
• Why is it challenging to study the brain directly?

  Because the brain is inside the skull
• What is one advantage of using MRI to study the brain?

  It creates very detailed images
• What can MRI detect in the brain?

  Cancer cells, clots, and abnormal blood flow
• What is one use of MRI technology in brain research?

  To map brain activity
• What is a key risk associated with electrical stimulation as a brain study technique?

  Infection
• What can be observed using electrical stimulation during brain surgery?

  Conscious brain activity
• What is the use of electrical stimulation?

  Allows you to look at impulses
• Can electrical stimulation detect cancer?

  No
• What is one limitation of studying patients with brain injuries to understand brain function?

  You can't see electrical impulses
• What is another limitation of studying patients with brain injuries to understand brain function?

  You can't be precise about affected regions
• What is one advantage of studying patients with brain injuries?

  It is inexpensive
• What is another advantage of studying patients with brain injuries?

  It doesn't require medical resources
• What is the role of the spinal cord?

  Part of the central nervous system
• What is one safety benefit of using MRI to study the brain?

  It is very safe