Brain Dissection

In this lab, we dissected a sheep brain and identified the different parts of the brain; in particular, the cerebrum, cerebellum, brain stem, thalamus, optic nerve, medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain, corpus callous, hypothalamus, gray matter, and white matter. We made two cuts on the brain; first we cut it in half longitudinally so that we could observe the medial plane of the brain. Then we made a cross sectional cut of the cerebrum which allowed us to see the gray matter and white matter more distinctly. We did notes on the brain structure, so this lab was a good follow up to understand more about the physiology and anatomy of the brain and how they work together. We learned in the notes that the parts of the brain are the cerebrum, diencephalon, brainstem, and cerebellum. In this lab, we got to visually see the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem.

Table of Functions:

Question 1: Sketch of Brain / Picture of Brain

Sketch of Brain parts

Blue pin is the brain stem. Green pin is the cerebellum. Yellow Pin is the Cerebrum. White pin is the anterior part of brain and black pin is the posterior part of brain.

Question 2: Functions of each of the structures

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

The myelin sheet is very essential to the proper functioning of the nervous system. When the myelin is not functioning properly, nerve impulses slow down and begins to shrivel. A disease that result from damaged myelin sheath is sclerosis. The myelin sheath increases the speed at which impulses spread along the myelinated fiber.

Question 4: Sketch of Cross-Section / Picture of Cross Section

Sketch of Important Brain Parts

This is a picture showing the specific parts of the brain visible in the medial brain. To identify the structures, look at the table of functions above.

Question 5: Functions of Structures

Question 6: Detailed Sketch/Picture of Cross Section with Gray Matter and White Matter