The Brain

This page provides a detailed look at the structure and functions of the brain. It includes a labeled image of the brain, identifying key areas and their functions:

1. Cerebral cortex: Controls language, memory, intelligence, and consciousness
2. Medulla: Controls unconscious actions such as breathing and digestion
3. Cerebellum: Controls balance and muscle coordination
4. Spinal cord: Connects the brain to the rest of the body

The page then discusses how scientists investigate the brain, mentioning several methods:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Used to see which parts of the brain are active when performing different tasks
• Electrical stimulation of the brain: To observe how the body reacts when different parts are stimulated
• Testing patients with brain damage: To understand how specific damage affects the patient

Highlight: Scientists use various methods to understand brain function, including pathological specimens, examining damaged areas, animal studies, studying during surgery, and non-invasive techniques.

The page also addresses the challenges of treating brain conditions, noting that:

• Things can go wrong during surgery
• The brain is enclosed within the skull, making access difficult
• The brain's complexity makes it hard to target with medications

This information provides students with a comprehensive understanding of brain structure, function, and the challenges associated with brain research and treatment.

Bold keywords: Central nervous system, Nervous system GCSE Biology Edexcel, Nervous system diagram gcse

Homeostasis and Response

This page introduces the concept of homeostasis and its importance in maintaining optimal conditions within the body. It explains that homeostasis is the control of internal conditions of a cell or organism in response to changes inside and outside the body. The internal conditions regulated include blood glucose concentration, body temperature, and water levels.

The importance of homeostasis is highlighted, as cells need the right conditions to function properly and for enzyme action. The page introduces two control systems that coordinate homeostasis: the nervous system and the endocrine system. The nervous system sends electrical messages to the brain through neurons, while the endocrine system sends chemical messages via glands through the bloodstream.

Definition: Negative feedback is defined as the process by which the body brings a level back to normal when it is too high or too low.

The page also outlines how control systems regulate the internal environment through a process involving receptors, coordination centers, and effectors.

Example: Receptors include cells, coordination centers include the brain, spinal cord, and pancreas, and effectors include muscles that contract and glands that produce hormones.