1
Triple only
[1 mark]Which part of the brain controls heart rate and breathing rate?
- Cerebellum
- Cerebral hemispheres
- Medulla oblongata
- Retina
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Answer: C C (1)
2
Triple only
[3 marks]State one function of each of the cerebral hemispheres, the cerebellum and the medulla oblongata.
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- cerebral hemispheres: any one of consciousness, intelligence, memory, language (1)
- cerebellum: coordinates movement / helps to control balance (1)
- medulla oblongata: controls unconscious activities such as heart rate and breathing rate (1)
3
Triple onlyHigher tier
[3 marks]Explain how CT scans and PET scans help doctors to investigate the brain.
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- brain tissue is difficult to access / is inside the skull (1)
- CT scans show the structure of the brain / damage or tumours (1)
- PET scans show function / which areas of the brain are active (1)
- without surgery (1)
- Max 3
4
Triple onlyHigher tier
[3 marks]Explain why it is difficult to treat a spinal injury and a brain tumour.
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- neurones in the spinal cord / CNS do not easily repair themselves (1)
- impulses cannot pass the damaged region, so paralysis or loss of feeling can be permanent (1)
- surgery to remove a tumour can damage healthy brain tissue / the tumour may be in a place that cannot be reached safely (1)