The Brain (OCR GCSE Biology A (Gateway))

The Brain

• 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

The brain is made from billions of interconnected neurones which are organised into regions