Brain Anatomy Lecture Notes

Introduction to Brain Anatomy

• Brain Parts: Focus on brain folds and duramater folds.
• Brain Protection: Brain folds protect the brain inside the skull and cranium.

Brain Structure

Hemispheres

• Right and Left Cerebral Hemispheres: Separated by the longitudinal fissure.
• Corpus Callosum: Connects the two hemispheres.

Duramater Folds

• Falx Cerebri: Separates the right and left cerebral hemispheres, fits into the longitudinal fissure up to the corpus callosum.
• Tentorium Cerebelli: Separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum; resembles flares or fins.
• Falx Cerebelli: Separates and protects the two cerebellar halves at the base of the skull.

External Anatomy of the Brain

Gyri and Sulci

• Gyri (Plural), Gyrus (Singular): The 'noodles' or ridges on the brain surface.
• Sulci (Plural), Sulcus (Singular): The grooves or 'valleys.'

Major Sulci and Lobes

• Lateral Sulcus: Separates the temporal lobe from the frontal and parietal lobes.
• Central Sulcus: Precentral gyrus in front, postcentral gyrus behind it.
• Longitudinal Fissure: Separates the right and left cerebral hemispheres.

Internal Anatomy of the Brain

Cerebrum Composition

• Cerebral Tracts: White matter, myelinated axons.
• Cerebral Cortex: Gray matter, unmyelinated axons, dendrites, and somas.

Diencephalon

• Thalamus: Circular region, includes intermediate mass.
• Hypothalamus: Located below the thalamus.
• Pituitary Gland: Positioned beneath the thalamus.
• Epithalamus and Pineal Gland: Produces melatonin for sleep.
• Corpus Callosum: Connects the hemispheres.
• Fornix: Area beneath the corpus callosum.

Brainstem

• Components: Midbrain, Pons, Medulla Oblongata.
• Tectum: Part of midbrain; includes superior and inferior colliculi.

Cerebellum

• Arbor Vitae: White matter, cerebellar tracts.
• Folia: Gray matter, cerebellar cortex.
• Vermis: Connects the right and left cerebellar halves.

Visual Aids

• Reference to illustrations and posterior views for better understanding of cerebellar structure.

Note

• A separate video will cover cranial nerves.