Question 19M.3.HL.TZ1.b
| Date | May 2019 | Marks available | [Maximum mark: 3] | Reference code | 19M.3.HL.TZ1.b |
| Level | HL | Paper | 3 | Time zone | TZ1 |
| Command term | Explain | Question number | b | Adapted from | N/A |
The diagram shows a section through the human brain.
[Source: https://pixabay.com/vectors/brain-anatomy-human-medicine-150935/]
Explain how studies of lesions have helped to identify the functions of different parts of the brain.
[3]
a. lesions are areas of brain injury ✔
b. diagnosed in living people using MRI/CAT scan/PET scan ✔
c. autopsies reveal the position and extent of lesions
OR
animal experimentation ✔
d. the behaviour/functioning of patient with lesion was observed ✔
Other possible techniques: cerebral arteriogram/angiogram, diffusion weighted MRI
Students who did poorly on this question showed the same weaknesses already mentioned in earlier questions. They were unable to define what a lesion was, and few attempted to address the question directly. Rather than explaining how studies of lesions have helped identify functions of the brain, many candidates only described the relationship between parts of the brain and their functions. Nevertheless, a lenient interpretation of the marking point regarding observed changes in patients’ behaviours due to lesions in the brain allowed many students to achieve 1 mark.
