The Brain (OCR Gateway GCSE Biology)

• The brain alongside the spinal cord is part of our central nervous system
• The brain is made of billions of interconnected neurones and is responsible for controlling complex behaviours
• Within the brain are different regions that carry out different functions

The structure and function of the brain

• Scientists have discovered that different regions of the brain seem to be responsible for controlling different functions, these regions include:
  • The cerebral cortex: This is the outer layer of the brain which is divided into two hemispheres. It’s highly folded and is responsible for higher-order processes such as intelligence, memory, consciousness and personality
  • The cerebellum: This is underneath the cerebral cortex and is responsible for balance, muscle coordination and movement
  • The medulla: This region controls unconscious activities such as heart rate and breathing
  • The pituitary gland: This gland is responsible for producing many hormones including those involved in controlling the menstrual cycle (FSH and LH)
  • The hypothalamus: This region of the brain is involved in regulating body temperature, it also producing hormones which control the pituitary gland