AQA · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 8461 · Version from Sept 2018
Students should be able to identify the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and…
Full specification wording
The brain (biology only): Students should be able to identify the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and medulla on a diagram of the brain, and describe their functions.
On a diagram, the cerebral cortex is the large folded outer layer, the cerebellum is the smaller structure at the lower back, and the medulla is the stalk-like region at the base leading into the…
Checked against the AQA 8461 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 5
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
On a diagram, the cerebral cortex is the large folded outer layer, the cerebellum is the smaller structure at the lower back, and the medulla is the stalk-like region at the base leading into the spinal cord. Functionally, the cerebral cortex is responsible for consciousness, intelligence, memory and language; the cerebellum coordinates balance and fine muscle movement; the medulla controls unconscious activities such as heart rate and breathing. A useful method is to trace each label to its position and then state its job in one sentence, for example 'the medulla controls heart rate and breathing'. Practise labelling unlabelled diagrams until the positions are automatic.
What earns the marks
- Correctly labels the cerebral cortex as the outer folded layer of the brain.
- Correctly labels the cerebellum as the structure below and behind the cerebrum.
- Correctly labels the medulla as the region at the base of the brain joining the spinal cord.
- Describes the cerebral cortex as controlling consciousness, memory, intelligence or language.
- Describes the cerebellum as coordinating balance and fine muscle movement.
- Describes the medulla as controlling unconscious activities such as heart rate and breathing.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Swapping the cerebellum and medulla labels.
Put it right: Remember the cerebellum sits above the medulla at the back of the brain.
Giving the cerebral cortex only one function when asked to describe it.
Put it right: Mention several roles such as memory, language and conscious thought.
Describing the medulla as controlling voluntary movement.
Put it right: It controls involuntary, unconscious activities.
Exam tips
- When labelling a diagram, draw label lines clearly to the correct region without crossing other lines.
- Pair each named region with its function in the same answer to cover both parts of the demand.
- Use precise terms such as 'fine muscle movement' and 'unconscious activities' rather than vague wording.
Try the lesson
The start of the The brain (biology only): Students should be able to identify the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and medulla on a diagram of the brain, and describe their functions. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which part of the human brain is the highly folded outer layer responsible for controlling conscious thought, language and memory?
Listen
On a diagram, the cerebral cortex is the large folded outer layer, the cerebellum is the smaller structure at the lower back, and the medulla is the stalk-like region at the base leading into the spinal cord. Functionally, the cerebral cortex is responsible for consciousness, intelligence, memory and language; the cerebellum coordinates balance and fine muscle movement; the medulla controls unconscious activities such as heart rate and breathing. A useful method is to trace each label to its position and then state its job in one sentence, for example 'the medulla controls heart rate and breathing'. Practise labelling unlabelled diagrams until the positions are automatic. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Correctly labels the cerebral cortex as the outer folded layer of the brain. Correctly labels the cerebellum as the structure below and behind the cerebrum. Correctly labels the medulla as the region at the base of the brain joining the spinal cord. Describes the cerebral cortex as controlling consciousness, memory, intelligence or language. A common slip: Swapping the cerebellum and medulla labels. Instead, remember the cerebellum sits above the medulla at the back of the brain. Exam tip: When labelling a diagram, draw label lines clearly to the correct region without crossing other lines.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Cerebral cortex
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Cerebellum
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Medulla
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Cerebral cortex
- The large folded outer layer of the brain, responsible for consciousness, intelligence, memory and language.
- Cerebellum
- The smaller structure at the lower back of the brain, which coordinates balance and fine muscle movement.
- Medulla
- The stalk-like region at the base of the brain leading into the spinal cord, controlling unconscious activities such as heart rate and breathing.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
There is more to this lesson
The full lesson goes on to check your understanding and help you earn the marks. Create a free account to carry on, with your progress saved.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge
Test your understanding of The brain (biology only): Students should be able to identify the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and medulla on a diagram of the brain, and describe their functions.
Active recall beats re-reading. Take an instant quiz now to test what you’ve learned and lock it into long-term memory.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge