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Date May 2017 Marks available 3 Reference code 17M.3.SL.TZ1.5
Level Standard level Paper Paper 3 Time zone Time zone 1
Command term Outline Question number 5 Adapted from N/A

Question

In a study of brain organization, several factors were investigated. The relationship between the volumes of grey and white matter across mammalian species was compared.

Describe the relationship between the volume of white matter and grey matter.

[1]
a.

Outline the organization of the human cerebral cortex with regard to structure and function.

[3]
b.

Outline one reason for the large energy requirement of the brain.

[1]
c.

Markscheme

a. positive correlation «between grey matter volume and white matter volume»
OR
as white matter «volume» increases so does grey matter «volume» 

b. As animal/brain size increase the volume of grey and white matter are «approaching» equal
OR
as volume of grey matter increases, the ratio grey : white becomes closer to 1

a.

Structure:

a. divided into left and right hemisphere 

b. has extensive folding 

c. has a large surface area : volume ratio

Function:

d. responsible for higher order functions/thinking/learning/memory/language 

e. functions are located in specific areas of the cortex/lobes 

f. sensory/motor functions of the left hemisphere correspond to the right side of the body

b.

a. «brain» cells/neurons carry out large amount of respiration/metabolic activity 

b. maintenance of resting potential requires energy/ATP
OR
functioning of Na-K pumps requires energy/ATP
OR
nerve impulse requires energy/ATP

c.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.
[N/A]
c.

Syllabus sections

Option A: Neurobiology and behaviour » Option A: Neurobiology and behaviour (Core topics) » A.2 The human brain
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