The Brain

• Part of the nervous system, with the CNS.
• Reflexes do not include the conscious part of the brain
• Cerebral cortex - highly folded, outer layer of the brain. Functions include memory, language, and consciousness.
• Cerebellum - Towards the base of the skull. Controls balance and movements.
• Medulla - Attached to the spinal cord. Controls heart and breathing rate
• Its tricky to investigate the brain because:

  1. Its completely covered by the skull
  2. The structures of the brain are very complex
  3. It is difficult to work out which parts of the brain carry out specific functions
  4. The brain is extremely delicate and easy to damage
• Investigating the brain:

  • Scientists study patients who have suffered brain damage - by looking to see where the damage has taken place, they can try to link that part of the brain to its function
  • Electrically stimulating the brain and looking at the effects on a persons behaviour - narrows down specific areas to specific functions
  • MRI scanning can be used to look at which parts of the brain are most active during certain activities