3: Brain Structure and Function- Exploring with Dissection and Cranial Nerves

Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab Manual II: Neural and Cardiopulmonary Systems · LibreTexts

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    From LibreTexts, under CC BY 4.0, as the source states it; its equations are written in TeX, which the PDF shows typeset. This page at LibreTexts.

    Introduction

    In this lab, we will be learning about the brain, a complex system, possessing more than a trillion cells many of which have more than a thousand connections. Students identify the various parts of the brain such as the lobes, cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres, ventricles, lobes, and more to establish structure-function relationships. Students will learn from images, laboratory models, dissection videos and to gain hands-on experience may dissect a sheep or pig brain to see internal structures, such as the corpus callosum, which connects the left and right hemispheres.

    Learning Objectives
    • Describe brain orientation applying the directional terms and plane.
    • Identify and describe the layers of meningeal tissue that cover the brain on both an image and laboratory models and their function.
    • Identify and describe the function(s) of parts of the brain on both an image and brain regions, cerebral and cerebellar lobes, and functional areas; brainstem subdivisions (medulla oblongata, pons and midbrain), and relating to functions and predict clinical outcome in case of damage.
    • Describe the ventricular system of the brain by tracing the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through the brain from its origin in the choroid plexus to where it collects in the superior sagittal sinus.
    • Identify the 12 pairs of cranial nerves by name and number and their basic functions, and categorize each cranial nerve as sensory, motor, or both (mixed).
    • Perform dissection of mammalian (sheep) brain paying close attention to the similarities and differences in structure with human brain.

    • 3.1: Background Information
      This page provides an overview of the adult brain's structure and functions, highlighting its four main regions: cerebrum, diencephalon, brain stem, and cerebellum. It details the cerebral cortex's role in memory, sensory processing, and motor control, along with the significance of the limbic system in emotions and memory.
    • 3.2: Terminology Checklist
      This page provides an overview of the brain's major regions and structures, such as the cerebrum, diencephalon, brainstem, and cerebellum, with key structures marked. It discusses cerebrospinal fluid flow, cranial nerves, and important components like gray matter, white matter, and meninges, essential for understanding sheep brain anatomy and function.
    • 3.3: Activity 1
      This page covers a case study of Alex Lewis, a college student who suffers memory loss from a concussion. It explores the potential impact of the injury on various brain areas related to memory and decision-making, such as the cerebrum, cerebellum, hippocampus, and amygdala, as examined by Dr. Wu. Additionally, reflection questions encourage readers to think about the consequences of damage to these regions and the advantages of hands-on learning in grasping brain anatomy.
    • 3.4: Activity 2
      This page covers the brain's protective layers, known as meninges, which include the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. It also defines gyri (raised folds), sulci (grooves between gyri), and fissures (deeper grooves separating major brain regions), emphasizing their significance in understanding brain anatomy and function.
    • 3.5: Activity 3
      This page describes a laboratory activity for identifying major structures of the human brain using a model. Students work collaboratively to observe areas like Broca's and Wernicke's and various cortices. A diagram aids in identifying these regions, and a printed version of the lab is essential for complete engagement. The activity is designed to deepen students' understanding of brain anatomy and its functions.
    • 3.6: Activity 4
      This page provides an overview of brain anatomy using a sagittal section model, highlighting key structures like the fornix, pons, and thalamus. Students are urged to analyze a labeled image for better comprehension. A table aids in the identification of these structures, and it is noted that a printed version of the lab materials is necessary for full participation due to digital accessibility concerns.
    • 3.7: Activity 5
      This page presents a collaborative exercise to match brain structures like the cerebellum, thalamus, and hypothalamus with their functions, including movement regulation and sensory processing. It emphasizes key components of brain anatomy and their roles in the nervous system, aiming to deepen understanding of the relationship between brain structure and function.
    • 3.8: Activity 6
      This page provides an overview of key brain structures within the ventricular system using a labeled sagittal section diagram. It highlights important components such as the arachnoid granulation, superior sagittal sinus, and various ventricles, each identified with letters and numbers for better comprehension of their anatomy and functions. An accessibility note suggests that a printed version is recommended for optimal engagement with the material.
    • 3.9: Activity 7
      This page explores cranial nerve damage through clinical case studies, allowing students to assess affected nerves in various patient scenarios. Cases include a 45-year-old with facial weakness linked to facial nerve damage, a 50-year-old with hearing issues related to the vestibulocochlear nerve, and a 60-year-old experiencing loss of taste and sensation tied to both the facial and trigeminal nerves.
    • 3.10: Activity 8
      This page outlines a comprehensive guide for sheep brain dissection, emphasizing the anatomical comparisons with human brains. It details key structures such as the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem, and provides instructions for conducting the dissection safely while identifying important parts.
    • 3.11: Activity 9
      This page explores the process of dissecting a sheep brain, highlighting key structures like the corpus callosum, cerebellum, and thalamus. It prompts readers to reflect on their experiences, including surprises in appearance and function, and notes challenges encountered during the dissection. The page encourages consideration of how these insights can be relevant to future studies or careers in biological sciences.
    • 3.12: Glossary
      This page offers an overview of the brain and spinal cord's anatomy and functions, focusing on important areas such as Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas for speech. It details key components like the cerebral cortex and basal nuclei, emphasizing their roles in sensory processing and motor functions. Additionally, it discusses the meninges, cerebrospinal fluid, and relevant anatomical landmarks, highlighting their protective and supportive roles in the central nervous system.

    Thumbnail: Brain Structure and Function. (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0; Jennifer Kong, Zoe Soon, and Helen Dyck via Pathology).

    This page titled 3: Brain Structure and Function- Exploring with Dissection and Cranial Nerves was last modified on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 19:23:11 GMT and is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Lakshmikanta Sengupta and Susmita Sengupta.