Brain Dissection

In this lab, we made cuts into the brain so that we could observe the many parts of the brain by looking at cross sections. We saw how the brain was physically divided into the left and right hemispheres and identified various other parts like the cerebellum and thalamus. In the cross section of the cerebrum, we were able to differentiate white matter from gray matter. The brain shares some similarities to the heart in that his had a protective layer around it that held the brain together, called the meninges.

Question 1: Take a picture with your pins in place. Draw a detailed sketch of the brain and label each of the structures.

drawing of the whole brain from the left side

whole brain viewed from left side

Question 2: What is the function of each of these structures?

• Cerebrum-integrates the messages received in the brain
• Cerebellum-motor control
• brain stem-controls basic functions like breathing, digestion; filters sensory information

Question 3: What is the function of myelin in a neuron?

The myelin insulates and increases the speed of nerve impulses in the neuron.

Question 4: Picture and drawing of cross section with labels.

drawing of cross section along the medial plane

cross section of brain along medial plane

Question 5: What is the function of each of the structures you pinned in step 8?

• thalamus- sorts data, autonomic activities, maintains consciousness
• optic nerve- connects eye to brain for sight
• medulla oblongata- controls heartbeat, breathing
• pons- contains bundles of axons that connect parts of the brain with one another
• midbrain- connects nerve impulses from cerebrum to spinal cord, medulla, and pons
• corpus callosum-connects right and left hemispheres of the brain with nerves
• hypothalamus- maintains homeostasis

Question 6: Make a detailed drawing of your cross section and take a pic.

drawing of ca cross section of the cerebrum

cross section of cerebrum