Medial view of the brain

Watch video

The largest part of the brain is the cerebrum, separated by a deep fissure, called the longitudinal fissure, into two hemispheres. If we make a section starting from the longitudinal fissure and continue down to the midline (i.e. a midsagittal section), we will separate the two hemispheres and we will be able to see the brain from a medial view.

In this view, we can see the cerebrum which is the most superior part of the brain and is organized into folds called gyri and grooves called sulci. In this study unit, you will learn all the gyri and sulci of the cerebrum that are visible from a medial view. Below the cerebral lobes, we can see the corpus callosum that “connects” the two hemispheres and the diencephalon with its different structures below it.

The most inferior part of the brain is the brainstem. In the midsagittal view, we can see the three parts of the brainstem (the midbrain, the pons and the medulla oblongata). Finally, the last part of the brain is the cerebellum, which can be seen posterior to the brainstem.

Watch the following video to find out more about the structure and striking features of the cerebral hemispheres seen on the medial surface!

Take a quiz

Take the following quiz to test and consolidate your knowledge about the features seen on the medial view of the brain!

Try out our fully customizable quiz below and tailor it to your own needs by creating your own selection of structures to be quizzed on!

Browse atlas

Take a closer look at a medial view of the brain in the gallery below. 

Summary