Cheatography
https://cheatography.com
the structure and function of the brain
This is a draft cheat sheet. It is a work in progress and is not finished yet.
Key Facts!
Human brain has 86 billion neurones |
Processes information from receptor cells and hormonal systems |
Central control system for whole body allowing fast communication |
Hypothalamus
Controls most of the body's homeostatic mechanisms, sympathetic responses, hunger and thirst and diurnal rhythms. |
Receives input from sensory receptors e.g. thermoreceptors and retina. |
Initiates responses via control of muscles and glands, particularly the pituitary gland. |
Controls much of the endocrine system. |
Practice Questions
1. State the difference between the function of the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary. [1mark] |
2. Sounds are interpreted by the auditory area in temporal lobe. State the pathway followed by a nervous impulse produced by a sound wave. [3 marks] |
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The Cerebellum
The motor cortex decides to move and brings about the movements but the cerebellum is required for precise and accurate smooth coordination of those muscle movements. |
Fine control is associated with balance. |
Involves manipulating tools and complex movements. |
Control antagonistic muscle groups. |
'Auto-pilot' movements such as riding a bike are said to be 'programmed' in the cerebellum. |
The Medulla Oblongota
Controls the autonomic nervous system. |
Sends impulses to smooth muscle and cardiac muscle. |
Regulates heart rate, breathing rate and depth of breathing, blood presure/. |
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The Cerebrum
Receives sensory information and interprets based on previous experience and sends impulses along motor neurones to effectors. |
Coordinates body's voluntary responses and some involuntary. |
Highly convoluted (large SA). |
Split into left and right hemisphere. |
Sensory areas- receive inputs from the sensory receptors. |
Motor areas- send impulse to effectors (muscles and glands included) gives conscious control of muscle movement. |
Association areas- communicate with the other regions of the brain to help coordinate motor responses. |
Pituitary Gland
Found at the base of hypothalamus. |
Controls most glands in the body. |
Two sections- anterior (front) and posterior (back) |
Anterior- produces six hormones including FSH (reproduction and growth hormones) |
Posterior- stores and releases hormones produced by the Hypothalamus |
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