Anatomy and Physiology: External Anatomy of the Brain

Introduction

• Lecturer: Professor Bob Long
• Focus: External anatomy of the brain
• Tools used: Brain models (referred to as clown brains, puzzle brain, brain on the half shell)
• Importance of understanding model structures for exams

Brain Models Overview

• Clown Brains: Brightly colored, shows lobes of the brain
• Puzzle Brain: Can be taken apart like a 3D puzzle
• Brain on the Half Shell: Resembles a half shell

Brain Lobes and Structures

• Lobes of the Brain:

  • Frontal Lobe
  • Parietal Lobe
  • Temporal Lobe
  • Occipital Lobe

• Additional Structures:

  • Pons
  • Medulla
  • Cerebellum
  • Longitudinal Fissure
  • Central Sulcus
  • Pre-central Gyrus (Primary Motor Cortex)
  • Post-central Gyrus (Primary Sensory Cortex)

Brain Tissue Types

• White Matter

  • Appears white in preserved brains
  • Contains myelinated axons

• Gray Matter

  • Appears darker, non-myelinated
  • Located in the cerebral cortex

Anatomical Details

• Gyrus and Sulcus:
  • Gyrus: Bumps
  • Sulcus: Grooves
• Vermis: Central structure in cerebellum
• Folia: Surface folds on cerebellum

Communication Pathways

• Corpus Callosum
  • Connects right and left hemispheres and front and back of the brain
  • Allows for inter-hemispheric communication

Steps for Learning

• Engage with the models by labeling and touching
• Practice recalling 4-5 structures at a time
• Teach the material back as a method to confirm understanding

Summary

• Covered the basics of brain external anatomy and tissue types
• Encouraged practical engagement with model structures for effective learning
• Aim is to familiarize with the brain's anatomy to excel in exams

Study Tip: Download pictures of the brain and practice labeling each part repeatedly until mastery is achieved.