The Brain

Link to 3D image of brain

External structure of the brain

Functions of the lobes

Internal structure of the brain

corpus collosum

cerebellum

pons

medulla oblongatamidbrain

pituitary gland

hypothalamus

cerebral cortex

Homeostasis: control of body temperature and osmoregulation. Secretes hormones

Involved in control of visual and auditory systems. Also controls body movement

Produces hormones that control growth, sexual development and metabolism

Controls breathing, heart rate and blood pressure; reflex actions such as vomiting and sneezing

Links the medulla with the thalamus

Sensory information such as vision, smell and hearing processed here. Higher cognitive functions.

Connects the left and right hemispheres to coordinate information

Fine motor control, posture and balance

A stroke of insight: the effects of a stroke (TED talks: 19 minutes)

Phineas Gage: experienced personality and behavioural changes after damage to his frontal lobe

Studying the brain

Scientists study the functions of parts of the brain by observing the behaviour of people who have suffered brain damage or have degenerative brain diseases.

Scientists also use animal studies to investigate brain functioning.

Medical imaging technology

CT scan video

CT scans (computerised tomography):

Use X rays to identify major structures and can detect problems such as tumours and aneurisms.

Sometimes a dye has to be injected into the blood.

CT scan showing a brain aneurism (swelling of the artery)

MRI scan video

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):

Uses high level magnetic field and radio waves to image soft tissues.

It is useful for diagnosing tumours, clots, infections and brain damage

Medical imaging technology

MRI scan of a brain tumour CT scan of same tumour

FMRI images of the brain showing brain activity

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI):

Monitors changes in brain activity by measuring the changes in blood flow and oxygen uptake.

Allows for the study of the different functions of the parts of the brain.

Potential uses of fMRI (4 minute TED talk)

Medical imaging technology

Quick Quiz: Internal structure and function of the brain

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Label the parts of the brain

State the parts of the brain which have the following functions

9. Regulates body temperature and osmoregulation. Secretes hormones.

10. Connects the left and right hemispheres.

11. Processes visual, smell and auditory information, higher cognitive processes.

12. Fine motor control. Balance and posture.

13. Controls breathing and heart rates plus reflex actions such as vomiting.

14.Controls visual and auditory systems, controls body movement.

15.Secretes hormones that control growth, metabolism and sexual development.

www.clickbiology.com

Interesting links

Neuroethics

Neuroscience for kids

BBC: The Mind and Brain

TED talk: creativity and fMRI (19 minutes)