Brain Parts & Functions
What part of the brain is responsible for controlling basic life support functions such as breathing and heart rate?
Medulla oblongata = part of the brain stem that manages involuntary functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
What is the primary source of energy for neurons in the brain, and why is it essential?
Glucose – the brain depends on a constant supply since it lacks storage; it fuels cellular respiration to produce ATP.
What brain region is involved in split-second decision-making and voluntary movement in team sports?
Frontal lobe – governs conscious movement, planning, and strategic decision-making.
What is the name of the skin’s outermost layer, and what is its function?
Epidermis – provides a protective barrier against UV light, pathogens, and water loss.
How does the skin respond when the body becomes too hot or too cold?
Through vasodilation (heat loss) and vasoconstriction (heat retention); sweat production aids in cooling.
Which lobe of the brain processes visual information and helps interpret signals from the eyes?
Occipital lobe – responsible for visual perception, colour recognition, and motion tracking
What is the blood-brain barrier and how does it protect brain function?
A semi-permeable barrier formed by tight endothelial junctions and astrocytes that allow nutrients in but block toxins and pathogens.
What is the cerebellum’s key role during high-skill sports like gymnastics or diving?
It refines movement, balance, and timing, ensuring precision and coordination.
Which skin layer lies beneath the epidermis and contains structures like blood vessels, nerves, and sweat glands?
Dermis – supports the skin with collagen and elastin and houses essential functional structures.
What structures in the skin detect sensations like pain, temperature, and touch?
Sensory receptors located in the dermis detect external stimuli and relay information to the nervous system.
In what way does the cerebellum contribute to athletic performance and motor learning?
The cerebellum coordinates balance, posture, and smooth execution of movements, essential for skill acquisition and muscle memory.
What is the Circle of Willis and why is it important for brain health?
A circular network of arteries at the brain’s base that ensures uninterrupted blood supply, even if one vessel is blocked.
How does the parietal lobe assist in movement and spatial orientation during physical activity?
It processes body position, touch, and spatial awareness to aid balance and control.
What is the hypodermis (subcutaneous layer), and what role does it play?
A layer of fat/adipose tissue that insulates, cushions organs, and stores energy.
How does the skin provide immune defence beyond just acting as a physical barrier?
Sebum has antimicrobial properties, and Langerhans cells in the skin detect and respond to pathogens.
Which part of the brain regulates temperature, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, and communicates with the endocrine system?
Hypothalamus – helps maintain homeostasis by managing autonomic functions and hormone release.
What happens to brain function if oxygen or glucose supply is interrupted?
ATP production declines, leading to dizziness, confusion, fatigue, seizures, or loss of consciousness in extreme cases.
What is the role of the thalamus during physical activity, such as responding to a moving ball or starting a sprint?
The thalamus relays sensory signals (like sight, sound, touch) to the cerebrum, helping the brain process what is happening and prepare a quick motor response.
What are sebaceous glands and what do they secrete?
Sebaceous glands produce sebum (oil), which moisturises skin and provides antimicrobial protection.
How does sweating help regulate body temperature and contribute to excretion?
Sweat evaporates to cool the skin and carries waste like salts and urea out of the body.
Explain how the cerebrum uses its sensory, association, and motor areas during voluntary movements in sports.
Sensory areas receive input (e.g., visual cues), association areas interpret and decide on responses, and motor areas transmit signals to muscles for movement execution.
Describe how oxygenated blood travels from the heart to the brain, naming the main arteries involved.
Blood leaves the left ventricle → aortic arch → brachiocephalic trunk (right side), left common carotid and subclavian → internal carotid and vertebral arteries → Circle of Willis.
Describe how at least three brain structures work together during a complex sporting skill (e.g., catching a ball).
Occipital lobe tracks the ball visually, cerebellum controls the movement’s coordination, frontal lobe decides when and how to move the hands.
Compare the structure and function of the epidermis and dermis. How do they work together?
The epidermis acts as a barrier; the dermis provides strength, elasticity, and houses sensory and glandular structures to maintain homeostasis.
Describe the process by which the skin synthesises vitamin D and its importance.
UV exposure converts cholesterol to vitamin D3, which helps absorb calcium – essential for bone health.