5.5 The brain
7 exam questions worth 17 marks. Write your answer, open the mark scheme, then give yourself the marks you earned. Your answers are saved on this device.
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The diagram shows a side view of the human brain.
Name the regions labelled A, D and E.
Mark scheme
- A: cerebral cortex / cerebrum / cerebral hemisphere (1)
- D: cerebellum (1)
- E: medulla / medulla oblongata / brain stem (1)
Model answer
A is the cerebral cortex, D is the cerebellum and E is the medulla.
Which part of the brain controls heart rate and breathing?
Choose one answer.
Correct Not quite: the answer is Medulla
Mark scheme
C (medulla)
Model answer
C: the medulla.
Describe the function of the cerebellum.
Mark scheme
coordinates muscle activity / movement / balance / posture
Model answer
The cerebellum coordinates muscle activity, such as balance and smooth movement.
Give two functions of the cerebral cortex.
Mark scheme
Any two from:
- consciousness (1)
- intelligence / thinking / decision making (1)
- memory (1)
- language / speech (1)
- voluntary movement (1)
- interpreting senses / vision / hearing (1)
Model answer
Memory and language (also consciousness, intelligence and voluntary movement).
After a stroke, a woman can no longer move the right side of her body.
Suggest which part of her brain was damaged. Give a reason.
Mark scheme
- left cerebral hemisphere / left side of the cerebrum / cerebral cortex (1)
- each hemisphere controls the opposite side of the body (1)
Model answer
The left cerebral hemisphere, because each hemisphere controls the muscles on the opposite side of the body.
Name the part of the brain that:
- contains the thermoregulatory centre
- releases hormones such as ADH into the blood
Mark scheme
- hypothalamus (1)
- pituitary (gland) (1)
Model answer
The hypothalamus contains the thermoregulatory centre; the pituitary gland releases ADH.
A gymnast performs a routine on a beam.
Explain how three different regions of the brain are involved.
Mark scheme
Level 3 (5-6): three regions correctly named, each linked to a clear, relevant function in the routine. Level 2 (3-4): two or three regions named with mostly correct functions. Level 1 (1-2): one or two regions named or functions described without the correct region.
Indicative content:
- cerebral cortex: conscious decisions / planning the routine / remembering the routine / interpreting what she sees
- cerebellum: coordinates muscle movements / smooth precise movement / balance on the beam / posture
- medulla: increases heart rate and breathing rate (automatically) / unconscious control
- (hypothalamus: controls body temperature as she warms up)
Model answer
The cerebral cortex is used for conscious thought: she remembers the sequence of moves, decides when to start each one and interprets what she sees. The cerebellum coordinates her muscles so each movement is smooth and precise, and keeps her balanced on the narrow beam. The medulla automatically increases her heart rate and breathing rate as her muscles work harder, without her having to think about it.
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