Parts of a brain and why blood to the brain is so important!
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Alignment
4-LS1-1. Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
5PS1-3. Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.
Learning Outcomes
- Students learn how blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to the brain.
- Students learn how the brain uses up a lot of the body’s energy.
- Students learn how blood flows into the brain through blood vessels.
Discussion Questions
1. Why do we need blood in the brain?
2. What will happen if parts of the brain stop working?
3. What is blood made of?
Video 1
Video 2
Vocabulary
Meninges: three thin layers of tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord
Blood: a tissue in a body formed by cells (like red and white blood cells, and platelets) suspended in a liquid called plasma. Blood that brings oxygen and nutrients to all the parts of the body, and takes waste away from them
Blood vessel: a tube that carries blood around the body
Red blood cells: a cell in the blood whose job is to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from different parts of the body and the heart; red blood cells give blood its color
White blood cells: a cell in the blood that helps defend the body against infections; there are many types of white blood cells; white blood cells are part of the immune system, the body’s defense system
Platelets: fragments (pieces) of cells that help clot (patch up) broken blood vessels
Plasma: the colorless liquid that makes up the blood; red and white blood are suspended in plasma. Plasma contains water, nutrients (like sugar and fat), proteins, and salts
Blood smear: a blood test that gives information about the number and shape of blood cells
Review
The brain is made up of different parts or regions, which have different functions (ex. cortex, spinal cord)
Blood is also made up of different parts, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma. They each have a different job.
Blood brings the brain what it needs to function, like oxygen and nutrients, through blood vessels.
