Lab 2 Human Brain

Question 1

What type of white matter fibre connect the anterior to the posterior of the brain? Give an example.

Answer 1

Association fibres.

E.g. arcuate fasciculus

Question 2

What type of white matter fibre connect the left hemisphere to the right hemisphere of the brain? Give an example.

Answer 2

Commissural fibres.

E.g. corpus callosum

Question 3

What type of white matter fibre connect the superior to the inferior of the brain? Give an example.

Answer 3

Projection fibres. (Efferent and afferent)

E.g. internal capsule

Question 4

In which orientation of the brain is the primary visual cortex visible?

Answer 4

Medial (+/-5mm about calcarine sulcus) and lateral, posterior end

Question 5

Where in the brain is related to the central field of vision and he peripheral field of vision?

Answer 5

Near the occipital pole (black dot) and near the intersection between the calcarine sulcus and the parieto-occipital sulcus (black dot).

Question 6

Can any of the 5 types of nuclei of the basal ganglia be seen through the medial view of the brain?

Answer 6

No, they are buried deeply in each hemisphere, BUT the head of the caudate nucleus is ‘visible’ as it makes a bulge in the wall of the lateral ventricle.

Question 7

What is the role of the thalamus? And where in the brain is it located?

Answer 7

It is the relay centre for almost all sensory inputs to the cortex. E.g. hit the toe and go swim in cold water (directs which senses to pay attention to more)

Thalamus has a central role - located dead in the centre [see medial view], two lobes on either side connected by a bridge.

Question 8

What is the role of hypothalamus?

Answer 8

Hypothalamus = homeostasis

It controls internal body functions and the autonomic nervous system.

Question 9

Where is the cerebral peduncle found?

Answer 9

In the midbrain