Grey or white – does it matter?
The images of the brain below are created by magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI). This type of imaging uses computer analysis of high frequency radio
waves to map out variations in tissue density. It is useful here to highlight some
areas of the brain known as grey and white matter.
Using your text and internet references, find out more information about the
structure and function of the grey matter and white matter of the brain.
Write a short description of the features of both grey and white matter.
Grey matter:
White matter:
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The cerebral hemispheres
The outer few millimetres of the two cerebral hemispheres is known as the
cerebral cortex. Humans have the largest cerebral cortex of all primates. It is
folded in patterns called convolutions or gyri that give it a greatly increased
surface area. The convolutions are separated by shallow depressions called
sulci and deep depressions called fissures.
Describe the difference between these three features.
The cerebrum
The left and right cerebral hemispheres are divided by the longitudinal fissure
and can then be further subdivided into four lobes – the frontal, parietal,
occipital and temporal.
(Note: There is a fifth lobe, the insula, but this is deep within the brain)
Using your text and other references shade the four different lobes of the brain,
labelling each one and include a brief description of what each one controls.
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The four lobes of the cerebral hemispheres are:

the ______________________ which controls
____________________________________

the ______________________which controls
_____________________________________

the ______________________ which controls
____________________________________

the______________________ which controls
____________________________________
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Functions of the cerebrum
1. Use your text and other references to label the following important
structures and regions on the diagram below:
primary sensory area
primary motor area
visual association area
primary visual association area
primary auditory area
auditory association area
primary speech area.
2. Use colours to identify the sensory, motor and association areas of the
brain.
Sensory areas
receive impulses
from the senses.
Motor areas send
impulses to the
muscles for
movement.
Association areas
interpret and process
information relating
to intellect and
emotions.
3. Now write the functions of each of the following:
primary sensory area
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primary motor area
visual association area
primary visual association area
primary auditory area
auditory association area
primary speech area
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