The Brain and Its Functions — AQA GCSE Biology (Higher / Separate)
The brain is the control centre of the nervous system, made of billions of interconnected neurones.
Structure and function
The brain controls complex behaviour. Three key regions to learn:
- Cerebral cortex — the outer folded layer; responsible for consciousness, intelligence, memory and language.
- Cerebellum — at the back; controls muscle coordination and balance.
- Medulla — in the brain stem; controls unconscious activities such as heart rate and breathing.
Studying the brain
The brain is extremely complex and delicate, which makes it difficult to study and to treat. Neuroscientists have mapped regions and investigated functions by:
- studying patients with brain damage (seeing which abilities are lost),
- electrically stimulating parts of the brain, and
- using MRI scans to see which areas are active during tasks.
Why treating brain problems is difficult
- The brain is easily damaged during surgery.
- It is hard to access inside the skull.
- We still do not fully understand which parts do what.
Exam tips
- Learn the three regions: cerebral cortex (consciousness/memory/language), cerebellum (coordination/balance), medulla (heart and breathing rate).
- Describe the methods used to study the brain (damage, stimulation, MRI).
- Explain why treating brain disorders is difficult (complexity, delicacy, access).