View a topic . . .

Brain Overview

Embryonic development
Brain divisions
Ventricular system
Cranial nerves

Telencephalon (Cerebrum)

Cerebral hemisphere sulcus, gyrus, lobes
Gray matter: cortex and basal nuclei
White matter: corpus callosum & internal capsule
Neocortex: formation & features
Rhinencephalon: hippocampus & septum
Functional areas; cruciate & coronal sucli

Diencephalon

Third ventricle
Thalamus and interthalamic adhesion
Hypothalamus: optic chiasm, hypophysis, & mamillary bodies
Epithalamus: pineal gland & habenular nuclei
Lateral & medial geniculate bodies (nuclei)
Optic nerve, otic chaism, optic tract

Mesencephalon (Midbrain)

Oculomotor and trochlear nerves
Mesencepahlic aqueduct and periaqueductal gray matter
Tectum: rostral and caudal collculi
Red nucleus & substantia nigra
Crus cerebri

Metencephalon

Pons:
Fourth ventricle and rostral medullary vellum
Trigeminal nerve
Ventral pons: longitudinal fibers, pontine nuclei, transverse pontine fibers, middle cerebellar peduncle
Cerebellum:
Vermis and hemispheres
Cerebellar cortex (folia & sulci) and cerebellar nuclei
Cerebellar peduncles: rostral, middle, caudal
Flocculonodular lobe: nodulus (of vermis) and flocculus (per hemisphere)

Myelencephalon (medulla oblongata)

Seven cranial nerves (VI — XII)
Fourth ventricle: choroid plexuses & lateral apertures
Pyramida and pyramidal decussation
Rostral: trapezoid body & dorsal nucleus of the trapezoid body
Caudal: olivary nucleus, nucleus gracilis, medail & lateral cuneate nuclei

Optional Online Resources . . .

Canine Brain Transections
This web site presents 20 transverse sections of a canine brain. The web site has two sections: 1] Brain Transection Levels, which correlates levels with major brain divisions per level, and 2] Brain Transection Atlas, which identifies structural components within brain transections. The atlas features two modes of structure identification: select a name & see the structure identified or select a structure & see its name high-lighted. When a term is clicked, a label shows its location and a glossary statement describes it.

Brain Gross Anatomy
This web site presents presents brain dissection images of horse, cow, sheep, & dog brains. Images are organized by anatomical region and by viewing perspective. Each brain image has an accompanying caption and labels that can be toggled on or off.

Interactive Neuroanatomy Quiz
This web site enables students to self-evaluate their knowledge of basic neuroanatomy in an engaging interactive manner. It includes the spinal cord.

Pertinent Terms List . . .

Brain Introduction Terms (PDF file)

Questions for Discussion:

In terms of major brain divisions, what is the composition of the forebrain, hindbrain, and brainstem?

In what ways is the rhinencephalon different from the rest of the cerebrum?

Why is some gray matter called called cortex vs. nuclei? Where does gray matter originate in the embryo?

What are the structural similarities of the cerebrum and cerebellum?

Corticospinal axons travel from the cerebral cortex to the spinal cord by passing through what white matter structures?

How is the ventricular system represented in each major brain division?, Can you trace the flow of cerebrospinal fluid?