1. The
Brain

2. External structure of the brain
Frontal lobe
Parietal lobe
Occipital lobe
Temporal lobe
Cerebellum
Brain stem
Functions of the lobes
Spinal cord
Link to 3D image of brain

3. Internal structure of the brain
corpus collosum
cerebral cortex
thalamus
ventricle
hypothalamus
cerebellum
pituitary gland
pons
midbrain
medulla oblongata

4. pituitary gland pons ventricle midbrain corpus collosum thalamus
Students click and drag the labels (no need to hold down the right button when dragging) to the correct spot and click again to release the label.
pituitary gland
pons
ventricle
midbrain
corpus collosum
thalamus
hypothamalus
cerebral cortex
medulla oblongata
cerebellum

5. Drag each image section into place to create the brain

6. cerebral cortex
Sensory information such as vision, smell and hearing processed here. Higher cognitive functions.
corpus collosum
Connects the left and right hemispheres to coordinate information
hypothalamus
cerebellum
Homeostasis: control of body temperature and osmoregulation. Secretes hormones
Fine motor control, posture and balance
pituitary gland
pons
Produces hormones that control growth, sexual development and metabolism
Links the medulla with the thalamus
midbrain
medulla oblongata
Involved in control of visual and auditory systems. Also controls body movement
Controls breathing, heart rate and blood pressure; reflex actions such as vomiting and sneezing

7. Structure Function cerebral cortex hypothalamus cerebellum midbrain
pons
medulla oblongata
corpus collosum
pituitary gland
Drag each sentence to the corresponding structure
Drag the function to the matching structure:
Links the medulla with the thalamus
Controls breathing, heart rate and blood pressure, also controls reflex actions such as vomiting and sneezing
Control of visual and auditory systems. Also controls body movement
Sensory information such as vision, smell and hearing processed here. Higher cognitive functions
Fine motor control, posture and balance
Homeostasis: control of body temperature and osmoregulation. Secretes hormones
Produces hormones that control growth, sexual development and metabolism
Connects the left and right hemispheres to coordinate information

8. Studying the brain
Scientists study the functions of parts of the brain by observing the behaviour of people who have suffered brain damage or have degenerative brain diseases.
Scientists also use animal studies to investigate brain functioning.
Phineas Gage: experienced personality and behavioural changes after damage to his frontal lobe
A stroke of insight: the effects of a stroke (TED talks: 19 minutes)

9. Medical imaging technology
CT scans (computerised tomography):
Use X rays to identify major structures and can detect problems such as tumours and aneurisms.
Sometimes a dye has to be injected into the blood.
CT scan showing a brain aneurism (swelling of the artery)
CT scan video

10. Medical imaging technology
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):
Uses high level magnetic field and radio waves to image soft tissues.
It is useful for diagnosing tumours, clots, infections and brain damage
MRI scan of a brain tumour CT scan of same tumour
MRI scan video

11. Medical imaging technology
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI): Monitors changes in brain activity by measuring the changes in blood flow and oxygen uptake.
Allows for the study of the different functions of the parts of the brain.
FMRI images of the brain showing brain activity
Potential uses of fMRI (4 minute TED talk)

12. Quick Quiz:
Internal structure and function of the brain

13. Label the parts of the brain2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1

14. State the parts of the brain which have the following functions
9. Regulates body temperature and osmoregulation. Secretes hormones.
10. Connects the left and right hemispheres.
11. Processes visual, smell and auditory information, higher cognitive processes.
12. Fine motor control. Balance and posture.
13. Controls breathing and heart rates plus reflex actions such as vomiting.
Controls visual and auditory systems, controls body movement.
Secretes hormones that control growth, metabolism and sexual development.

15. Answers:
1. Cerebral cortex
2. Corpus collosum
3. Cerebellum
4. Pons
5. Medulla oblongata
6. Midbrain
7. Pituitary gland
8. Hypothalamus
9. Hypothalamus
10. Corpus collosum
11. Cerebral cortex
12. Cerebellum
13. Medulla oblongata
14. Midbrain
15. Pituitary gland

16. Interesting links Neuroethics Neuroscience for kids
BBC: The Mind and Brain
TED talk: creativity and fMRI (19 minutes)