Coordination and the human brainEdexcel A-Level Biology A: Mind map

Exam questions on Coordination and the human brain

1. A 62-year-old man is admitted to hospital after a stroke that damaged part of his cerebellum. He can understand speech, think clearly and remember recent events, but his walking is unsteady and his arm movements are jerky and poorly aimed.
   Explain why damage to the cerebellum has caused the man's movements to be jerky and poorly aimed.2 marks
2. On a hot day a runner's core body temperature begins to rise. Her skin becomes flushed and she starts to sweat. These responses are coordinated by a region at the base of her brain.
   Explain why the hypothalamus is described as a link between the nervous system and the endocrine system.2 marks
3. A student reading quietly is startled by a loud bang. Within a second her heart rate and breathing rate increase. For several minutes afterwards she still feels alert and her heart continues to pound.
   Explain why the immediate response to the bang is attributed to nervous coordination but the continuing alertness is attributed to hormonal coordination.3 marks