Brain

Contents

Key Stage 2

Meaning

The brain is an organ which can think and is found in the head of animals.

Key Stage 3

Meaning

The brain is an organ in the nervous system.

Key Stage 4

A diagram of the brain, including the Cerebrum, Cerebellum, Medulla and Pituitary Gland.

Meaning

The brain is part of the central nervous system which processes information sent by nerves.

About the Brain

The brain is responsible for coordinating the muscles and glands around the body.

The brain is the location of the pituitary gland which controls the release of hormones in the endocrine system.

There are several important structures in the brain including:

• The Cerebrum (or Cerebral Cortex) which deals with memory, language and conscious thought.
• The Cerebellum which deals with balance and the coordination of movement.
• The Medulla which controls the heartbeat, breathing and peristalsis in the digestive system.
• The Pituitary Gland which secretes hormones which control other endocrine glands in the body.