The Brain

• what is the brain made of + function?

  • Made of billions of inter connected neurons
  • Controls complex actions... Different regions control different functions
• What two things make up the CNS

  • Brain
  • Spinal cord
• Name the 3 main components of the brain?

  • Cerebral cortex
  • Cerebellum
  • Medulla
• What is the function of the cerebellum + location?

  • Controls balance and coordination
  • Rounded structure towards back of the brain
• Function + location of cerebral cortex>

  • Controls consciousness, intelligence, memory, thought/ language
  • Its the outer part of brain
• Function + Location of medulla?

  • Controls unconscious actions like breathing/heart rate
  • Found in brain stem in front of cerebellum
• Why is studying and treating the brain difficult?

  • Brain is complex/delicate + can be damaged easily
  • Its not completely understood what all parts do
  • Drugs given might not always reach certain parts of brain due to membranes surrounding it
• How can neuroscientists map out brain function?

  • Studying people with brain damage
  • Electrically stimulating different parts of the brain
  • Using MRI scanning techniques
• How does studying people with brain damage work?

  Observing changes in an individual following brain damaged can give a clue to the function of the part affected
• How does electrically stimulating the brain work?

  Using electrode to electrically stimulate certain part of the brain can evoke a physical/ mental change in the person and can give a clue on what the function of that part is
• How does MRI scanning work?

  Scans brain to show which parts are active during certain activities or which part has a tumour