p.5
Cerebral Hemispheres and Their Functions
What does the interhemispheric fissure separate?
The two hemispheres of the brain.
p.2
Pituitary Gland Structure and Function
From where does the pituitary gland extend?
From the ventral surface of the hypothalamus via the pituitary stalk or infundibulum.
p.14
Basal Ganglia and Motor Control
What is the function of the fornix?
It connects the hippocampus to other brain structures.
p.13
3-D Dissection Procedures and Techniques
What is the first step in the 3-D dissection procedure?
Remove the caudal right neocortex and open up the interhemispheric fissure until the corpus callosum is visible.
p.3
Pituitary Gland Structure and Function
What is the role of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system?
It controls the endocrine system directly and indirectly through the pituitary gland.
p.4
Major Subdivisions of the Embryonic CNS
What is the primary function of the mesencephalon?
Control of eye movement and relay in the auditory pathway.
p.10
Blood Supply to the Brain
Where is the middle cerebral artery located in relation to the internal carotid artery?
It comes off the ICA in humans.
p.1
Vascular System of the Nervous System
How does the brain receive its blood supply?
Directly from the heart via the right and left internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
p.13
3-D Dissection Procedures and Techniques
What is the purpose of following the optic tract during the dissection?
To locate the lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus.
p.1
Vascular System of the Nervous System
Which arteries arise from the circle of Willis?
Anterior, anterior communicating, middle, posterior, and posterior communicating cerebral arteries.
p.6
Basal Ganglia and Motor Control
Which nuclei make up the basal ganglia?
Caudate, putamen, globus pallidus, and subthalamic nuclei.
p.11
Pituitary Gland Structure and Function
Where is the infundibular stalk located?
On the ventral side of the brain, midway between the rostral and caudal ends.
p.11
Cerebral Hemispheres and Their Functions
What sulcus marks the boundary of the frontal lobe?
The superior frontal sulcus.
p.5
Cerebral Hemispheres and Their Functions
What does the central sulcus separate in the human brain?
The frontal and parietal lobes.
p.14
Basal Ganglia and Motor Control
What are the main structures associated with the basal ganglia?
Caudate, Hippocampus, Thalamus, and Corpus Callosum.
p.10
3-D Dissection Procedures and Techniques
What type of specimens are used for dissection in this week?
Preserved sheep brains with the dura removed.
p.7
Limbic System and Emotional Processing
What two roles does the limbic system play?
Emotions important for survival and processes involved in memory.
p.14
Basal Ganglia and Motor Control
What does the optic chiasm do?
It is where the optic nerves cross, allowing visual information from both eyes to be processed.
p.9
Major Subdivisions of the Embryonic CNS
What vital functions does the medulla regulate?
Breathing and heart rate.
p.9
Major Subdivisions of the Embryonic CNS
What are the sensory and motor decussations?
Crossing points in the medulla.
p.13
3-D Dissection Procedures and Techniques
How can the anterior commissure be located?
By looking between the two caudate nuclei and teasing away to see the white matter tracts in the midline.
p.1
Vascular System of the Nervous System
Why does the brain need a constant blood supply?
Because it has very little storage for oxygen or glucose.
p.4
Limbic System and Emotional Processing
What is the function of the archicortex?
Important for learning and memory.
p.4
Cerebral Hemispheres and Their Functions
What is the neocortex responsible for?
Higher cognitive functions and accounts for 80-90% of the cortex in humans.
p.12
Cerebral Hemispheres and Their Functions
What are the four major lobes of the human brain?
Frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, occipital lobe.
p.11
Cerebral Hemispheres and Their Functions
How does the temporal lobe in sheep compare to that in humans?
The temporal lobe in sheep is poorly developed compared to the human brain.
p.10
Blood Supply to the Brain
What is the primary focus of Week 2's learning objectives?
To learn about the blood supply to the brain.
p.9
Major Subdivisions of the Embryonic CNS
Which nuclei are found in the pons?
Noradenergic locus coeruleus, serotonergic nucleus raphe, and the reticular formation.
p.7
Limbic System and Emotional Processing
Why is the limbic system considered one of the oldest systems in the CNS?
Due to its importance for the survival of the species.
p.3
Pituitary Gland Structure and Function
What hormones are secreted by the posterior pituitary?
Arginine vasopressin (AVP, also known as ADH) and oxytocin.
p.10
Blood Supply to the Brain
What artery is located beneath the optic chiasm?
Anterior communicating artery.
p.10
Blood Supply to the Brain
What arteries lie in the midline on the ventral surface of the frontal lobe?
Anterior cerebral arteries.
p.4
Cerebral Hemispheres and Their Functions
What are the bumps and grooves on the cerebral hemispheres called?
Gyri, sulci, and fissures.
p.7
Thalamus and Hypothalamus Functions
What does the medial dorsal nucleus of the thalamus project to?
Olfactory inputs to the orbitofrontal cortex.
p.3
Thalamus and Hypothalamus Functions
What role does the hypothalamus play in the body?
It coordinates the interaction between the nervous and endocrine systems.
p.6
Limbic System and Emotional Processing
What structures comprise the limbic system?
Both telencephalic and diencephalic structures.
p.6
Limbic System and Emotional Processing
What role does the amygdala play?
It is involved in emotional behaviors and is connected to the olfactory and limbic systems.
p.12
Cerebral Hemispheres and Their Functions
What distinctive feature is found in the cerebellar cortex?
Laminations with parallel fissures and sulci interposed between thin folia.
p.5
Cerebral Hemispheres and Their Functions
What are the distinct arrangements found within some cortical areas of the neocortex?
Distinct functional columns.
p.9
Major Subdivisions of the Embryonic CNS
What structures are contained within the metencephalon?
The pons and the cerebellum.
p.14
3-D Dissection Procedures and Techniques
What should you save for use during week three?
Isolated brainstem and cerebellum.
p.6
Cerebral Hemispheres and Their Functions
What gives the cerebral cortex its grayish color?
Neurons, which are termed gray matter.
p.14
Basal Ganglia and Motor Control
What is the role of the pineal body?
It regulates sleep-wake cycles through melatonin production.
p.9
Major Subdivisions of the Embryonic CNS
How many cranial nerve nuclei are located in the medulla?
Five of the twelve cranial nerve nuclei.
p.13
3-D Dissection Procedures and Techniques
What is the fornix and where does it lead?
The fornix is a structure that travels downward and terminates in the mammillary bodies of the hypothalamus.
p.6
Basal Ganglia and Motor Control
What is the role of the basal ganglia?
To participate in the control of motor activity and motor planning.
p.11
Pituitary Gland Structure and Function
What is the hypophyseal portal system?
Capillary beds that surround the pituitary gland.
p.12
Cerebral Hemispheres and Their Functions
What are the superior and inferior colliculi collectively called?
The tectum of the midbrain.
p.12
Cerebral Hemispheres and Their Functions
Which structures should be identified on the inferior surface of the brain?
Olfactory bulb, optic chiasm, optic tract, hypothalamus, cerebral peduncle, pons, medulla oblongata, pyramidal tract, trapezoid body, and spinal cord.
p.5
Cerebral Hemispheres and Their Functions
What is the function of the Sylvian or lateral fissure?
It separates the temporal lobe from the frontal and parietal lobes.
p.10
Cerebral Hemispheres and Their Functions
What anatomical structures are studied in relation to the cerebral hemispheres?
The structure and function of the cerebral hemispheres and brainstem.
p.7
Limbic System and Emotional Processing
What are the diencephalic structures mentioned?
Mammillary bodies, hypothalamus, and anterior nucleus of the thalamus.
p.9
Cerebral Hemispheres and Their Functions
What is the role of the cerebellum?
To modulate the rate, force, and range of muscular contractions for smooth movement and posture.
p.9
Major Subdivisions of the Embryonic CNS
How is the cerebellum connected to other brain structures?
Via three pairs of massive fiber bundles known as cerebellar peduncles.
p.10
Blood Supply to the Brain
What artery connects to the internal carotid artery (ICA)?
Posterior communicating artery.
p.3
Pituitary Gland Structure and Function
How does the anterior pituitary receive regulating hormones?
Through the hypothalamic-pituitary portal system.
p.7
Thalamus and Hypothalamus Functions
What are the two categories of nuclei in the thalamus?
Relay nuclei and association nuclei.
p.13
3-D Dissection Procedures and Techniques
What should be done after removing the entire cortex?
You should yield the brainstem, thalamus, hippocampus, and cerebellum preparation.
p.6
Basal Ganglia and Motor Control
What is the lentiform nucleus composed of?
Putamen and globus pallidus.
p.6
Basal Ganglia and Motor Control
What are the inputs to the basal ganglia primarily from?
The cerebral cortex, mainly the sensory and motor areas.
p.6
Limbic System and Emotional Processing
Which telencephalic structures are part of the limbic system?
Cingulate gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus, hippocampus, fornix, amygdala, and olfactory bulb.
p.6
Limbic System and Emotional Processing
What is the primary function of the hippocampus?
It plays an integral role in attention, learning, and memory.
p.11
Cerebral Hemispheres and Their Functions
What is the pyriform lobe?
The area below the rhinal sulcus, often pear-shaped.
p.2
Blood Supply to the Brain
Why is blood important to the brain?
Because it supplies oxygen and glucose.
p.9
Major Subdivisions of the Embryonic CNS
What is the primary function of the pons?
To serve as a relay for telencephalic structures and the cerebellum.
p.10
Blood Supply to the Brain
What arteries come off the basilar artery at the rostral end of the pons?
Anterior (superior) cerebellar arteries.
p.4
Major Subdivisions of the Embryonic CNS
What is the role of the pons?
Contains relay nuclei that relay information from the cerebral hemispheres to the cerebellum.
p.4
Major Subdivisions of the Embryonic CNS
What is the function of the medulla oblongata?
It is the rostral extension of the spinal cord and contains cranial nerve nuclei and areas of fiber crossing.
p.3
Major Subdivisions of the Embryonic CNS
What does the diencephalon develop into?
The thalamus and hypothalamus.
p.3
Thalamus and Hypothalamus Functions
What is the function of the thalamus?
It serves as a major relay station between the telencephalon and other brain regions.
p.4
Limbic System and Emotional Processing
What structures comprise the paleocortex?
Olfactory cortex, pyriform lobe, and parts of the parahippocampal gyrus.
p.12
Cerebral Hemispheres and Their Functions
What does the sylvian fissure delineate in the sheep brain?
The primary motor cortex in the frontal lobe and the primary sensory cortex in the parietal lobe.
p.11
Cerebral Hemispheres and Their Functions
What separates the two cerebral hemispheres?
The medial longitudinal fissure (interhemispheric fissure).
p.2
Blood Supply to the Brain
What is the structure that supplies blood to the brain?
An extremely complex capillary system.
p.9
Major Subdivisions of the Embryonic CNS
What is the anatomical location of the pons in relation to the medulla?
The pons lies rostral to the medulla.
p.10
Blood Supply to the Brain
Where do you start examining the major blood vessels in the sheep brain?
At the caudal section of the brainstem at the junction of the medulla and the pons.
p.14
3-D Dissection Procedures and Techniques
How should excess specimen materials be disposed of?
In biohazard disposal boxes.
p.14
Basal Ganglia and Motor Control
What are the superior and inferior colliculi involved in?
They are involved in visual and auditory processing.
p.6
Cerebral Hemispheres and Their Functions
What is the function of an axon?
To communicate with other neurons.
p.3
Development of the Nervous System
What are the three major vesicles formed during the development of the nervous system?
Prosencephalon (forebrain), mesencephalon (midbrain), and rhombencephalon (hindbrain).
p.3
Major Subdivisions of the Embryonic CNS
What does the telencephalon develop into?
The cerebral hemispheres (cerebrum).
p.4
Cerebral Hemispheres and Their Functions
What is the difference between a sulcus and a fissure?
A sulcus is a small groove, while a fissure is a large groove.
p.1
Vascular System of the Nervous System
What is the significance of the circle of Willis?
It provides blood to the cerebral hemispheres.
p.14
3-D Dissection Procedures and Techniques
What should you do with the sheep specimen in Carosafe® solution?
Place it in a plastic container with a paper towel at the bottom to keep it moist.
p.13
3-D Dissection Procedures and Techniques
What is the thickness and structure of the cerebral cortex referred to in the dissection?
The cerebral cortex is 6 layers of cells, known as isocortex or neocortex.
p.13
3-D Dissection Procedures and Techniques
What are the corona radiata?
They are the myelinated fibers of the afferents going to the cortex and the efferents going from the cortex.
p.7
Thalamus and Hypothalamus Functions
What is the primary function of the thalamus?
Processes most of the information reaching the cerebral cortex from the rest of the CNS.
p.14
Basal Ganglia and Motor Control
What is the function of the hypothalamus?
It regulates homeostasis and controls the endocrine system.
p.7
Thalamus and Hypothalamus Functions
Which thalamic nucleus is responsible for touch sensation?
Ventral posterior lateral nucleus.
p.3
Cerebral Hemispheres and Their Functions
What structures are included in the limbic system?
Hippocampus, amygdala, cingulate gyrus, fornix, mammillary bodies, and olfactory bulb.
p.4
Cerebral Hemispheres and Their Functions
What are the four lobes of the neocortex?
Frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes.
p.11
Blood Supply to the Brain
What arteries make up the Circle of Willis?
Posterior cerebral, posterior communicating, middle cerebral, anterior cerebral, and anterior communicating arteries.
p.11
Pituitary Gland Structure and Function
What are the two lobes of the pituitary gland?
Anterior (adenohypophysis) and posterior (neurohypophysis) lobes.
p.11
Cerebral Hemispheres and Their Functions
What is the primary motor cortex's location relative to the crucial sulcus?
Anterior to the crucial sulcus.
p.12
Cerebral Hemispheres and Their Functions
What structure is revealed by pulling back the cerebellum?
The dorsal surface of the brain stem, including the corpora quadrigemina.
