AQA · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 8461 · Version from Sept 2018
The brain controls complex behaviour. It is made of billions of…
Full specification wording
The brain (biology only): The brain controls complex behaviour. It is made of billions of interconnected neurones and has different regions that carry out different functions.
The brain is the control centre of the nervous system and is responsible for complex behaviour such as learning, memory, emotion and coordinated movement.
Checked against the AQA 8461 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 5
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The brain is the control centre of the nervous system and is responsible for complex behaviour such as learning, memory, emotion and coordinated movement. It contains billions of neurones connected into extensive networks, allowing rapid electrical communication between distant regions. Different regions specialise: the cerebral cortex handles conscious thought, memory and language; the cerebellum coordinates balance and fine muscle movement; the medulla controls unconscious activities such as heart rate and breathing. Because regions have distinct roles, damage to one area produces specific effects, which is why brain mapping and scanning are important.
What earns the marks
- States that the brain coordinates complex behaviour and processes information from receptors.
- Explains that the brain contains billions of interconnected neurones forming communication networks.
- Identifies that different regions of the brain carry out different specialised functions.
- Links at least one named region to its function, such as the medulla controlling heart rate and breathing.
- Recognises that damage to a region can affect the functions controlled by that region.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Saying the brain is a single uniform structure.
Put it right: It has distinct regions with specialised roles.
Confusing the roles of the cerebellum and medulla.
Put it right: The cerebellum coordinates movement and balance while the medulla controls unconscious activities.
Describing neurones as separate rather than interconnected.
Put it right: Billions of neurones form connected networks.
Exam tips
- Use the phrase 'interconnected neurones' when explaining how the brain processes information.
- Name the region and its function together in one sentence to gain credit efficiently.
- If asked about complex behaviour, give a concrete example such as memory or coordinated movement.
Try the lesson
The start of the The brain (biology only): The brain controls complex behaviour. It is made of billions of interconnected neurones and has different regions that carry out different functions. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
The brain is responsible for controlling complex behaviours. Which type of cell makes up the brain and forms billions of interconnected networks to achieve this?
Listen
The brain is the control centre of the nervous system and is responsible for complex behaviour such as learning, memory, emotion and coordinated movement. It contains billions of neurones connected into extensive networks, allowing rapid electrical communication between distant regions. Different regions specialise: the cerebral cortex handles conscious thought, memory and language; the cerebellum coordinates balance and fine muscle movement; the medulla controls unconscious activities such as heart rate and breathing. Because regions have distinct roles, damage to one area produces specific effects, which is why brain mapping and scanning are important. A strong answer earns marks for these points. States that the brain coordinates complex behaviour and processes information from receptors. Explains that the brain contains billions of interconnected neurones forming communication networks. Identifies that different regions of the brain carry out different specialised functions. Links at least one named region to its function, such as the medulla controlling heart rate and breathing. A common slip: Saying the brain is a single uniform structure. Instead, it has distinct regions with specialised roles. Exam tip: Use the phrase 'interconnected neurones' when explaining how the brain processes information.
See it
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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