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Date November 2020 Marks available 1 Reference code 20N.3.HL.TZ0.5
Level Higher level Paper Paper 3 Time zone TZ0 / no time zone
Command term State Question number 5 Adapted from N/A

Question

The drawing shows a vertical section through the brain.

[Source: TefiM / istockphoto.com.]

Label the cerebellum on the diagram.

[1]
a.i.

State a function of the cerebellum.

[1]
a.ii.

On the diagram, label one named structure that produces hormones.

[1]
b.

Outline one method that can be used to investigate the function of different parts of the brain.

[2]
c.

Markscheme

label to cerebellum

TefiM / istockphoto.com

a.i.

controls/coordinates (motor) movements/balance

a.ii.

label to pituitary
OR
label to hypothalamus;

b.

Alternative 1:
a. fMRI;

b. scan detects changes in blood flow/oxygen in blood
OR
more active parts of brain receive more blood flow;

Alternative 2:
c. lesions/autopsy;

d. part of the brain damaged
OR
loss of function detected;

Alternative 3:
e. stimulation during open brain surgery;

f. reaction observed;

The “f” must be written for fMRI.

Description must relate to method named.

c.

Examiners report

The vast majority of candidates could label the cerebellum correctly, but fewer could state its function.

a.i.
[N/A]
a.ii.

Most candidates could correctly label one named structure producing hormones.

b.

The majority of candidates could name one method to investigate the function of different parts of the brain, mainly fMRI, but the change in blood flow was obscure for some or lacked sufficient details; other valid methods were seen, such as lesions, autopsy or open surgery.

c.

Syllabus sections

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

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