The Brain

• Scientists know a bit about the brain but not as much as they'd like
• The Brain


  Part of the central nervous system along with the spinal cord
• The Brain


  • Made up of billions of interconnected neurones
  • In charge of all complex behaviours
  • Different regions carry out different functions
• Cerebral Cortex


  • Outer wrinkly bit
  • Responsible for consciousness, intelligence, memory and language
• Medulla


  • Controls unconscious activities like breathing and heartbeat
• Cerebellum


  • Responsible for muscle coordination
• Scientists study the brain

  1. Studying patients with brain damage

  2. Electrically stimulating the brain

  3. MRI Scans
• Knowledge of how the brain works has led to the development of treatments for disorders of the nervous system
• The brain is incredibly complex and delicate, the investigation of brain function and any treatment of brain damage or disease is difficult and carries risks