Neuroanatomy: want to learn more about it?
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Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver
Neuroanatomy
Cerebrum
The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and consists of the cerebral cortex which is responsible for motor, sensory and cognitive functions.
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Introduction to the brainBasic anatomy and function of the brain.
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Lateral views of the brainStructures seen on the lateral views of the brain.
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Superior view of the brainStructures seen on the superior view of the brain.
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Medial view of the brainStructures seen on the medial view of the brain. The images show a midsagittal section of the brain.
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Basal view of the brainStructures seen on the basal view of the brain with the brainstem removed, showing the cut surface of mesencephalon.
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Motor and sensory cortical homunculusMotor and sensory representation of the body in the cerebral cortex.
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Brodmann areasThe cerebral cortex is divided into 52 regions according to its cytoarchitecture.
Subcortical structures
Below the cortex there are important structures (limbic system, diencephalon and ventricles) that play an important role in both motor and cognitive functions.
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ThalamusOverview of the thalamus and surrounding structures.
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Hippocampus and fornixHippocampus, fornix and neighbouring structures.
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Thalamic nucleiMain nuclei of the thalamus.
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HypothalamusNuclei and connections of the hypothalamus.
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Pituitary glandMajor features of the pituitary gland.
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Hypophyseal portal systemThe system of blood vessels connecting the hypothalamus with the pituitary gland.
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Basal gangliaMain nuclei of the basal ganglia and surrounding structures.
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Coronal section of the brain at the thalamus levelInternal structures of the brain seen at the thalamus level.
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Horizontal section of the brainHorizontal sections of the brain at the levels of the genu of the corpus callosum and habenula.
Cerebellum and brainstem
The Cerebellum is responsible for the co-ordination of movements. The Brainstem consists of medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain.
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CerebellumAnterior and superior views of the cerebellum.
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Cerebellar nucleiDeep nuclei of the cerebellum.
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BrainstemBrainstem and related structures.
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Anterior view of the brainstemAnterior view of the brainstem and related structures
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Cranial nerve nucleiCranial nerve nuclei in the brainstem seen from lateral and medial views.
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Medulla oblongata: Hypoglossal nerve levelStructures of the medulla oblongata at the hypoglossal nerve level.
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Medulla oblongata: Vagus nerve levelNuclei and tracts of the medulla oblongata at the vagus nerve level.
Ventricles, meninges and blood vessels
In this chapter we explore the layers that cover the CNS (meninges), the vessels and the ventricles of the brain.
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Ventricles of the brainVentricular system of the brain with neighboring structures.
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Arteries of the brainArteries of the brain seen from the lateral and medial views of the brain.
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Arteries of the brain IIArteries of the brain seen from an inferior view.
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Superficial veins of the brainSuperficial veins of the brain seen from lateral and medial views of the brain.
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Superficial veins of the brain IISuperficial veins of the brain seen from an inferior view.
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Meninges of the brainMeninges and superficial vessels of the brain.
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Arachnoid granulationsMeninges, spaces between the meninges and arachnoid granulations.
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Dural venous sinusesDural venous sinuses and neighbouring structures.
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Subarachnoid cisterns of the brainCisterns are the dilations within the subarachnoid space filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Spinal cord
The spinal cord and the brain, together, make up the central nervous system (CNS). This chapter will discuss all the anatomy related to the spinal cord.
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Spinal cord in situSpinal cord in situ seen at the level of a thoracic vertebra.
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Structure of the spinal cordFull structure of the spinal cord seen from a dorsal view.
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Spinal cord: Cross sectionTake a look at the spinal cord grey matter and fibers of the white matter tracts.
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Spinal membranes and nerve rootsSection of the spinal cord showing the spinal membranes and nerve roots.
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Blood vessels of the spinal cordArteries and veins of the spinal cord.
Pathways of the nervous system
Main motor and sensory tracts of the Central Nervous System.
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Pyramidal tractsThe most important motor pathways of the CNS.
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Posterior column-medial lemniscus pathway (PCML)This is the main ascending (sensory) pathway of the nervous system.
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Taste pathwayNeural pathway of taste.
Cranial nerves
The twelve cranial nerves emerge from the brain and the brainstem. Via the cranial nerves, information is exchanged between the brain and areas of the body.
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12 cranial nervesOverview of the 12 cranial nerves.
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Olfactory nerveCourse of the olfactory nerve viewed from the left side of a parasagittal section.
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Optic nerveOptic nerve and visual pathway.
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Oculomotor, trochlear and abducens nervesCourse of the oculomotor, abducens and trochlear nerves.
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Ophthalmic nerveCourse and branches of the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve.
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Maxillary nerveCourse and branches of the maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve.
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Mandibular nerveCourse and branches of the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve.
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Facial nerveNuclei, course and branches of the facial nerve.
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Vestibulocochlear nerveNuclei, course and branches of the vestibulocochlear nerve.
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Glossopharyngeal nerveCourse, branches and nuclei of the glossopharyngeal nerve.
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Vagus nerveCourse, branches and nuclei of the vagus nerve.
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Accessory nerveCourse, branches and nuclei of the accessory nerve.
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Hypoglossal nerveCourse, branches and nuclei of the hypoglossal nerve.
Peripheral nervous system
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of nerve fibers and cell bodies outside the CNS that conduct impulses to or away from the CNS.
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Vertebral column and spinal nervesA lateral view of the vertebral column, spinal cord and spinal nerves.
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DermatomesA dermatome is an area of skin supplied by a single spinal nerve.
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Autonomic nervous systemSympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS.