The brain

1. Name the three major structures of the brain and outline the main function of each. Brain stem, Cerebrum and Cerebellum. The brain stem connects the brain to the spinal chord and controls automatic functions like breathing, digestion and heart rate.

The Cerebrum is involved in remembering, problem solving, thinking and feeling.

The cerebellum helps to control and balance the things you do.

2. Recall the three structures that protect the brain.The three layers of meninges and it are surrounded by cerebral fluid.

3. Explain why the ‘grey’ matter is concentrated in the cerebrum.Grey matter is concentrated in the cerebrum because it sends signals through the spinal chord and to the brain which help you do things like kicking a football.

4 Recall which part of the brain controls:

(a) breathing = Medulla oblongata (brain stem)

(b) balancing on a skateboard = Parietal lobe

(c) puzzle solving = Frontal lobe

(d) creative writing. = Temporal lobe

.5.Explain why a major injury to the brain stem is often fatal. Because the brain is one of the most important part of the body, it controls all major body parts such as the heart, lungs, and movement. Without the brain stem working the brain cannot transmit electrical pulses to the body in which it needs to run.

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.6.If meninges are membranes that protect the brain, what is meningitis? It’s the part of brain fluid that helps cushion and protect the brain from injury.

.7.The brain of an average elephant weighs about six kilograms. Explain why it needs to be so large. (Hint: It is not because an elephant never forgets!) Because the sensory nerves need to be bigger to the proportion of the animal. Another thing is the brain is always to size of the animal.

8.If the left side of the brain is damaged in an accident, it’s often the right side of your body that is affected. Investigate why.Because the two sides of the brain are connecting to the opposite sides. That is why if one side of the brain is damaged the opposite half will be affected.

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Monday week 4 work:

  1. Because the brain would turn into mush if it wasn’t frozen.
  2. Very soggy, soft and when touched it will turn into mush.
  3. The difference was one of the sides was more sloppy (right)
  4. The cerebellum was more pink and squishy
  5. A round bit of flesh that connects to the brain