the brain

3 Components of the brain

: 1. Cerebral cortex

-Cerebellum

- Medulla:

ceberal cortex what does it control

1. Cerebral cortex: controls consciousness, intelligence, memory and language; it is the outer part of the brain

what does cerebellum control

2. Cerebellum: controls fine movement of muscles; rounded structure towards the bottom/back of brain

what does medulla control

3. Medulla: controls unconscious actions such as breathing and heart rate,; found in the brain stem in front of the cerebellum

Investigating brain function and treating brain damage and disease is difficult because:

Investigating brain function and treating brain damage and disease is difficult because:

- It is complex and delicate

-It is easily damaged

- Drugs given to treat diseases cannot always reach the brain because of the membranes that surround it -

It is not fully understood which part of the brain does what

Neuroscientists (those that study the nervous system) can map out the regions of the brain using a number of methods:

Observing changes in behavior or abilities after brain damage helps scientists infer the functions of different brain regions.

2nd way Neuroscientists can map out the regions of the brain using a number of methods:

2. Electrically stimulating different parts of the braiThis can be done by pushing an electrode into the brain. The stimulation may result in a mental or physical change in the individual, providing information on the role this area of the brain has.

3rd way Neuroscientists can map out the regions of the brain using a number of methods:

3. Using MRI scanning techniques A magnetic resonance imaging scanner can be used to create an image of the brain. This can be used to show which part of the brain is affected by a tumour, or which part is active during a specific task