The+human+Brain

E.5 OBJECTIVES

E.5.1 Label, on a diagram of the brain, the medulla oblongata, cerebellum, hypothalamus, pituitary gland and cerebral hemispheres.

E.5.2 Outline the functions of each of the parts of the brain listed in E.5.1.

Medulla oblongata: controls automatic and homeostatic activities, such as swallowing, digestion and vomiting, and breathing and heart activity. Cerebellum: coordinates unconscious functions,such as movement and balance. Hypothalamus: maintains homeostasis, coordinating the nervous and endocrine systems, secreting hormones of the posterior pituitary, and releasing factors regulating the anterior pituitary. Pituitary gland: the posterior lobe stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus and the anterior lobe, and produces and secretes hormones regulating many body functions. Cerebral hemispheres: act as the integrating centre for high complex functions such as learning, memory and emotions.

E.5.3 Explain how animal experiments, lesions and FMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) scanning can be used in the identification of the brain part involved in specific functions.

E.5.4 Explain sympathetic and parasympathetic control of the heart rate, movements of the iris and flow of blood to the gut.

E.5.5 Explain the pupil reflex.

E.5.6 Discuss the concept of brain death and the use of the pupil reflex in testing for this.

E.5.7 Outline how pain is perceived and how endorphins can act as painkillers.

Limit this to:

• passage of impulses from pain receptors in the skin and other parts of the body to sensory areas of the cerebral cortex

• feelings of pain due to these areas of the cerebral cortex

• endorphins blocking transmission of impulses at synapses involved in pain perception.