Intro To Neuroanatomy

Question 1

What are the planes?

Answer 1

Coronal – middle split
• Sagittal - L and R
• Axial (or transverse) – top bottom split

Question 2

Direction and relation terms?

Answer 2

• Ventral – ‘front’
• Dorsal – ‘back’
• Cranial – ‘towards the head’
• Caudal – ‘towards the tail’
• Rostral – ‘towards the beak’

Question 3

Embryological divisions?

Answer 3

Primary division - Subdivision. - Modern terms

1. Prosencephalon (forebrain) - Telencephalon - Cerebrum
   Diencephalon - Diencephalon
2. Mesencephalon (midbrain) - Midbrain
3. Rhombencephalon (hindbrain) - myelencephalon/Metencephalon - medulla oblongata/Pons and cerebellum

Question 4

What is white and grey matter?

Answer 4

White matter – nerve cell axons. white due to presence of myelin sheaths

• Grey matter – primarily nerve cell bodies,

Question 5

What is the cortex?

Answer 5

Cortex – the outer part of the cerebrum and cerebellum. Mainly grey matter.

Question 6

What are the nucleus and tracts?

Answer 6

Nucleus (plural: Nuclei) – groups of functionally similar or anatomically related nerve cells - appear grey, some found deep in the brain, not just on its outer surface.

• Tract – a pathway of nerve fibres.

Question 7

What is the Fossa and foramen?

Answer 7

Fossa – an indentation or shallow depression.

• Foramen – an opening, hole or passage.