Basic and Clinical Neuroscience (BCN)

Gross Neuroanatomy Overview

March 09, 2015Lori R. Hardy, PhD

Gross Neuroanatomy

Learning Objectives:

The successful student will be able to:1- Define the basic terminology and language used in neuroanatomy.2 - Identify key regions and general functions within the cerebral cortex.3 - Identify the major functions of subcortical structures within

the forebrain.4 - Identify the surface structures seen from the ventral aspect of the brainstem.5 - Identify the cerebellum.

Reading: Essential Neuroscience, Chapter 1: Overview of the Central Nervous System

Directions in neuroanatomy

Anterior - PosteriorRostral – CaudalDorsal – VentralSuperior – InferiorMedial – Lateral

Note the directional changes below the midbrain

Nervous System:

Central and Peripheral NS (anatomical classification)

CNS = brain and spinal cord (covered by meninges)

PNS = spinal and cranial nerves outside CNS

Automonic and Somatic NS (functional classification)

ANS = innervate smooth muscle and glandsSNS = innervate musculoskeletal & skin sense

organs

Cerebral topography:Four lobes visible from lateral surface – Frontal, Parietal, Occipital, Temporal

Primary functions located within each lobe

Cerebral topography is conserved between individuals

Lobes are separated by sulci.Identify the Central sulcus (separates Frontal and Parietal)Identify the Sylvian fissure/sulcus (Lateral sulcus – separates Temporal from Frontal and Parietal)

Some major structures

Precentral gyrus and Postcentral gyrus

‘Homunculus’

Cerebral topography:Central lobe (Insula), lies ‘under’ Frontal, Parietal

and Temporal lobe

Cerebral topography:Limbic lobe lies medial and ventral to the Frontal,

Parietal and Temporal lobes

Sagital section

Limbic lobe is a ‘C’ shapeSurface and internal structures

B

A

B

A

Horizontal sectionInsula; Limbic lobeBasal gangliaThalamus

A

B

Horizontal sectionInsulaBasal

gangliaThalamus

A B A B

Frontal / Coronal section

A

B

Frontal / Coronal sectionInsula; Limbic lobeBasal gangliaThalamus

Diencephalon:

Thalamus (relay information to cerebral cortex)

Diencephalon:Hypothalamus (visceral functions)

Ventral surface of brain

Ventral surface of brain : Cranial nerves

Ventral surface of brain: Brainstem

CNS contains fluid filled spaces, Ventricles – Ventricular system

Ventricular system

Cerebral Aqueduct

4th ventricle

3rd ventricleForamen of Magendie

Foramen of Monro

Septum Pellucidum

Ventricular system

Lateral ventricle

Septum Pellucidum

3rd ventricle

Foramen of Monro

Medial surface of brain

Ventral surface of brain

Lori Hardy, Ph.D.Email: loriha@pcom.edu

Thank you!