The brain
The brain controls complex behaviour . It is made of billions of
interconnected neurones and has regions with different functions
Region
Function
Cerebral cortex (the outer, wrinkled part)consciousness, intelligence, memory, language
Cerebellum (at the back, underneath)coordination of muscles , balance
Medulla (at the top of the spinal cord)unconscious activities : heart rate, breathing
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The regions of the brain spinal cord cerebral cortex the folded outer layer — consciousness, intelligence, memory and language cerebellum muscle co-ordination and balance medulla the unconscious things: heart rate and breathing rate pituitary gland the master gland — it releases hormones that control other glands The brain is extremely complex and delicate, it is encased in the skull, and the regions are not neatly separated — which is why investigating and treating brain disorders is so difficult. Scientists study it by looking at patients with brain damage, by stimulating parts of it electrically, and by using MRI scans. Side view of the brain with the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and medulla labelled and their functions written beside them
(HT) Neuroscientists have mapped regions to functions by studying patients
with brain damage (a damaged area and a lost ability), by
electrically stimulating parts of the brain and observing the
effect, and by MRI scanning , which shows which areas are active
during a task
(HT) Investigating and treating the brain is difficult because it is
complex (billions of connections) and delicate : surgery
risks damage, drugs may not cross into the brain, and damaged neurones do
not easily repair
The rest of this topic is in the full Exam Guide The complete AQA GCSE Biology guide — every topic, exam checklist and common mistake — is coming soon. Until then, the first topic in every unit is free to read.
In the full topic
• The brain• The eye• Adaptation to light• Accommodation• Eye defectsRead the free biology topics →