Lesson 4.5.2.2

4.5.2.2 The brain (biology only) Quiz: AQA Biology, Unit 5

20 questions

Written by Revision Ninja · Last reviewed 11 October 2026

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Lesson 4.5.2.2, The brain (biology only): 20 multiple choice questions for the AQA GCSE Biology (8461), Unit 5: Homeostasis and response, written with Revision Ninja.

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The 20 questions

  1. Which of these is NOT one of the three brain regions named for identification in the specification?

    • The medulla
    • The cerebellum
    • The pituitary gland
    • The cerebral cortex

  2. What main structures make up the human brain?

    • Endocrine glands
    • Epithelial cells
    • Interconnected neurones
    • Muscle fibres

  3. Which brain region coordinates balance and fine movement?

    • The medulla
    • The cerebellum
    • The optic nerve
    • The thyroid

  4. Which brain region controls automatic functions such as breathing and heart rate?

    • The cerebellum
    • The optic lobe
    • The medulla
    • The cerebral cortex

  5. Which brain region is associated with conscious thought and complex behaviour?

    • The spinal cord
    • The hypothalamus
    • The cerebral cortex
    • The medulla oblongata

  6. Which technique do neuroscientists use to map active regions in the brain?

    • Spirometry testing
    • Ultrasound imaging
    • X-ray crystallography
    • MRI scanning

  7. Why is treating and investigating brain disorders particularly difficult?

    • Extremely small size
    • Lacks blood supply
    • Has no neurones
    • Complex and delicate

  8. What must neuroscientists evaluate before carrying out procedures on the brain?

    • Age and weight
    • Colour and size
    • Speed and cost
    • Benefits and risks

  9. What structural feature of the brain allows it to control complex behaviours?

    • Interconnected neurones
    • Hormone secretion
    • Single neurone chain
    • Thick myelin sheath

  10. Which region of the human brain controls unconscious activities such as heart rate?

    • Cerebral cortex
    • Cerebellum
    • Pituitary gland
    • Medulla

  11. Studying patients with brain damage allows neuroscientists to perform which activity?

    • Tissue culturing
    • Mapping brain functions
    • Gene sequencing
    • Reflex testing

  12. Which brain region must surgeons avoid damaging to preserve speech and memory?

    • Medulla
    • Spinal cord
    • Cerebral cortex
    • Cerebellum

  13. Which brain structure controls automatic processes such as breathing and heart rate?

    • Pituitary gland
    • Medulla
    • Cerebral cortex
    • Cerebellum

  14. Which imaging technique uses magnetic fields to study brain structure and function?

    • CT scanning
    • MRI scanning
    • Ultrasonography
    • X-ray imaging

  15. Applying small electrical currents to brain regions is used by neuroscientists to do what?

    • Destroy damaged cells
    • Block nerve impulses
    • Increase blood flow
    • Map brain functions

  16. Which brain region controls posture, balance, and fine muscle coordination?

    • Hypothalamus
    • Medulla
    • Cerebellum
    • Cerebral cortex

  17. Why are brain disorders and damage exceptionally difficult to treat?

    • Complexity and delicacy
    • Lack of neurones
    • Rapid tissue growth
    • High blood pressure

  18. What cell type forms the interconnected networks that control complex behaviour in the brain?

    • Phagocytes
    • Neurones
    • Nephrons
    • Lymphocytes

  19. What is the main role of the cerebral cortex in the human brain?

    • Reflex actions
    • Intelligence and memory
    • Balance and posture
    • Heart rate control

  20. How is the human brain organised to carry out its various roles?

    • Uniform tissue
    • Random nerve networks
    • Unspecialised cells
    • Specialised regions

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