Basic Neuroanatomy

Chapter 3

The Human Brain Book

Rita Cater

Microanatomy

Gross Anatomy

Neurological Function

Microanatomyand Histology

Brodmann Areascytoarchitectonic map of the brain

Gross Anatomy

Gyri

protruding rounded surfaces

Sulci

shallow furrows / folds / grooves

Fissures

deep furrows / clefts / grooves

Grey Matter

forms a cortical sheath around white matter

composed of cell bodies of neurons and glia

White Matter

composed mostly ofglia and myelinated axons

Fiber Tracts

bundles of axons

Commissure

a cross-hemispheric white matter tract

Cerebral Cortexoutermost sheet of neural tissue

of the cerebrum

“...the bulging wrinkled surface... commonly known as the grey matter...”

Neocortex

outer layer of the cerebral cortex

90% of the cerebral cortex

Cortical Layers

spatial levels ofneuronal organization

Functional Divisionsof the Cerebral Cortex

Cortical Topography

Limbic System

cingulate gyrushypothalamus

anterior thalamic nucleihippocampus

amygdala

Limbic System

“...participates in emotional processing,

learning, and memory.”

Nuclei

“...discrete collections of the cell bodies of neurons...

‘islands’ of gray matter...”

Basal Ganglia(Basal Nuclei)

putamencaudate nucleiglobus pallidus

subthalamic nucleisubstantia nigra

Basal Ganglia

“...help ensure that physical movements

are smooth and coordinated.”

Ventricles

produce and containcerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

CSF

buoyancy, protectionand chemical stability

Diencephalon

thalamushypothalamus

Thalamus

“gateway to the cortex”

Hypothalamus

controls functions necessary for maintenance of homeostasis

involved in emotional processesand control of the pituitary gland

The Brainstem

midbrainpons

medulla

Midbrain

visuomotor functionsvisual reflexesauditory relays

motor coordination

Medulla

monitoring and controlling ofbreathing, heartbeat and blood pressure

controlling vomiting, sneezing,swallowing and coughing

The Cerebellum

integrates informationabout the body

and motor commands,ultimately resulting in

coordinated movement

The As If Principle

Richard Wiseman