The brain

• Nervous system consists of the CNS and other neurones
• Reflexes do not include the conscious part of the brain
• The brain plays a critical role in the central nervous system
• The brain controls complex behaviour and contains billions of interconnected neurones
• The outer part of the brain is called the cerebral cortex
• Functions of the cerebral cortex include language, memory, and consciousness
• The part at the bottom of the brain is called the cerebellum
• The cerebellum controls balance and coordinates movements
• The medulla controls our heart rate and breathing rate
• Scientists study patients who have experienced brain damage
• Different parts of the brain can be electrically stimulated
• MRI scans can look at different parts of the brain during specific activities