2.10B Describe the structures and functions of the brain including the…

The idea

The brain is a coordinated set of regions, each with a distinct job. The cerebral hemispheres form the large folded outer part; they receive and interpret sensory information, control voluntary movement, and support memory, reasoning and conscious thought. The cerebellum sits below and behind the cerebrum; it coordinates balance, posture and fine, smooth movement, so practised actions such as riding a bike become fluent. The medulla oblongata links the brain to the spinal cord and controls automatic, involuntary functions, including breathing rate and heart rate. A useful method is to match each structure to a function: hemispheres to conscious and voluntary control, cerebellum to coordination and balance, medulla to unconscious life-support. In a multiple-choice question, eliminate options that swap these roles, for example an option claiming the medulla controls voluntary movement.

What earns the marks

• Cerebral hemispheres: interpret sensory information and control voluntary movement, plus higher functions such as memory and reasoning.
• Cerebellum: coordinates balance, posture and smooth, fine movement.
• Medulla oblongata: controls involuntary, automatic functions such as breathing rate and heart rate.
• Correctly distinguishes voluntary/conscious control (hemispheres) from coordination (cerebellum) and unconscious control (medulla).
• Rejects options that swap the roles of the three named structures.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Thinking the cerebellum controls conscious thought.

  Put it right: The cerebellum coordinates balance and movement, while conscious thought is a function of the cerebral hemispheres.

• Believing the medulla controls voluntary movement.

  Put it right: The medulla controls automatic functions such as heart rate and breathing.

• Assuming the cerebral hemispheres control balance.

  Put it right: Balance and coordination belong to the cerebellum.

Exam tips

• Read all options before choosing; several may name real structures but attach the wrong function.
• Link each structure to one keyword: hemispheres = voluntary/conscious, cerebellum = coordination/balance, medulla = involuntary.
• Cross out any option that gives a structure a function belonging to another region.