Functions of the Brain

The Brain

1.3.2

Objectives

Learners can:

• identify the main parts of the brain

• describe the different regions of the brain

• explain how the body protects the brain

• brain

• neuron

• organ

Prerequisite Vocab

• brain stem

• cerebellum

• cererbrum

New Vocab

Vocabulary

back part of the brain that controls movement

Cerebellum

the largest part of the brain that controls conscious functions

Cerebrum

connects the brain to the spinal cord

BRain Stem

Match

Match the vocabulary word to its definition.

• organ

• neuron

• brain

group of tissues in an organism

a cell that sends an electrical signal

the main control center of an animal

• group of tissues in an organism

• a cell that sends an electrical signal

• 
  

  the main control center of an animal

​What do these images have in common?

The brain is the main control center of an animal body. It contains nearly 100 billion neurons! The brain controls mental processes such as reasoning, imagination, memory, and language. It also interprets information from the senses. In addition, it controls basic physical processes such as breathing and heartbeat.

The Brain

The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain that controls conscious functions. These functions include reasoning, language, sight, touch, and hearing.

Cerebrum

The cerebellum is located at the back of the brain and controls movement. The cerebellum also helps in maintaining posture and balance.

Cerebellum

​The brain stem is the lowest part of the brain and connects the brain to the spinal cord. It is the point where nerve impulses pass between the spinal cord and the brain. The brain stem controls unconscious functions such as heart rate and breathing.

Brain Stem

​Parts of the BRain

The outer layer of the cerebrum is called the cerebral cortex. This section of the brain is divided into four lobes:

• the frontal lobe

• the temporal lobe

• the parietal lobe

• the occipital lobe

​

Cerebral Cortex

Match

Match the bodily function with the part of the brain that controls that function.

• brain stem

• cerebrum

• cerebellum

maintaining breathing when sleeping

using thinking and reasoning skills

the ability to walk upright

• 
  

  maintaining breathing when sleeping

• 
  

  using thinking and reasoning skills

• the ability to walk upright

The frontal lobe, located at the front of the brain, is responsible for motion, speech, judgment, personality, and some memory.

Frontal Lobe

The temporal lobe is located along the sides of your head, just above the ears. The temporal lobe is responsible for hearing and understanding speech. This section also helps store related memories.

Temporal Lobe

The parietal lobe runs from the middle of the top of your head to the back of your head. This part receives information about touch, pressure, and pain. The parietal lobe is also involved in language, reading, and body awareness.

Parietal Lobe

At the back of the brain is the occipital lobe. The occipital lobe receives information from the eyes and is responsible for vision.

Occipital Lobe

Multiple Choice

While scientists have been able to learn about the brain in the past, what has allowed them to develop the most modern understanding of the brain regions?

• dissecting brain material

• studying the brains of animals such as chimpanzees

• 
  scanning the brains of living individuals

• cloning brains in a laboratory

Protecting the Brain

The human brain is a delicate organ. Therefore, it needs to be carefully protected. The brain is covered by a bony structure called the cranium. There are also three protective layers covering the brain called meninges. The spaces between these layers are filled with a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid helps protect the brain against physical injuries. The cerebrospinal fluid also maintains constant pressure in and around the brain. However, despite these protections, injuries such as concussions can still happen.

Why are people encouraged to wear helmets when riding a bike or doing an activity where they could fall? What is a helmet similar to?

​

Why Wear a Helmet

Multiple Choice

Why is it important for the brain to have a structure like a cranium to protect it?

• There is a lot of empty space around the brain.

• The brain needs to be able to shift and move around.

• The brain is able to withstand severe impacts.

• The brain is a delicate organ and can be easily damaged.

Labeling

Use the following terms to label the model of the brain:

Drag labels to their correct position on the image

brain stem

cerebrum

cerebellum