The Brain 

The BRAIN is part of the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM and is responsible for coordinating all COMPLEX BEHAVIOURS such as running, breathing, sleeping, and memory recall.

It is made out of BILLIONS of interconnected NEURONES.

Different regions of the brain are responsible for different functions:

CEREBRAL CORTEX: This is the outer layer of the brain responsible for consciousness, intelligence, memory, and language.

MEDULLA: Controls unconscious activities like breathing and heart rate.

CEREBELLUM: Primarily responsible for muscle coordination.

PITUITARY GLAND: "Master Gland" that secretes many different hormones.

Methods Used to Study the Brain:

There are different methods that neuroscientists use to study the functions of the different regions of the brain:

1. STUDYING PATIENTS WITH BRAIN DAMAGE:

Observing the effects of brain damage can help identify which areas of the brain are involved with specific functions. 

2. ELECTRICALLY STIMULATING THE BRAIN:

By inserting ELECTRODES into the brain tissue and delivering small electric shocks, scientists can stimulate various brain areas to observe their effects. E.g. giving one section of the brain a shock could cause muscle movement.

3. MRI SCANS (MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING):

MRI scanners provide detailed IMAGES of the brain’s structures.

By asking people to carry out different tasks while taking a scan, the MRI can be used to see which part of the brain is active. This can identify which parts of the brain are responsible for different tasks (e.g. listening to music or solving puzzles).

Difficulties of Brain Research:

Advances in understanding the brain have led to new treatments for neurological disorders. 

However the brain remains a COMPLEX and DELICATE organ, meaning studying and treating it can sometimes lead to unintended effects like increased problems with brain function or speech.