Brain Anatomy: Mid-Sagittal and Coronal Views

White Matter Tracts

• Projection fibers are composed primarily of axons that travel vertically or anterior-posterior in the brain.
• The interconnected deep brain structures form neural networks that are termed basal ganglia.
• Axons in the internal capsule travel laterally.

Brain Structures and Internal Anatomy

• Limbic System: Responsible for emotions, memories, and motivation.
• Lentiform nucleus: The globus pallidus is the outermost structure.
• White matter tracts: They are prominent examples of white matter tracts, acting as pathways for communication within the brain.
• Spinal cord: The sagittal view is used to visualize the body of the spinal cord.
• White matter tracts functions: They facilitate communication between different parts of the brain.
• Hypothalamus: Located in the diencephalon, below the thalamus.
• Brainstem: It connects the forebrain to the spinal cord.
• Brainstem nuclei: They control crucial functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
• Cerebellum: Coordinates movement, balance, and posture.
• Brainstem damage: Can result in life-threatening issues due to its control of vital functions.

Meninges and Cerebrospinal Fluid

• Dura mater: The outermost layer of the meninges, providing protection and structural support.
• Mammillary bodies: They resemble breasts in the brain.
• Dura mater: Protects the brain and anchors it within the skull.
• Pia mater: The innermost layer of the meninges, tightly adhering to the brain's surface.
• Vomiting centre: Located in the medulla oblongata and triggers vomiting in response to various stimuli.
• Brainstem: Composed of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
• Arachnoid mater: It is vascularized and separated from the pia mater by the subarachnoid space.
• Meninges and bone: Meninges are membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, located beneath the bone.
• Optic nerves: They converge to form optic tracts, carrying visual information to the brain.
• Cerebrospinal fluid: It cushions the brain and spinal cord, providing protection and nutrients.
• Pia mater: This layer closely adheres to the brain, following its contours.

Venous Sinuses and Ventricles

• Falx: Its name originates from its sickle shape in Latin.
• Superior sagittal sinus: Drains venous blood from the brain.
• Tentorium cerebelli: Separates the cerebellum from the cerebrum.
• Cavernous and petrosal sinuses: Located near the base of the skull.
• Valveless veins: Their absence allows for blood reflux into the cavernous sinus, potentially causing serious complications.
• Inferior sagittal sinus: Drains venous blood from the brain.
• Venous sinuses: They act as drainage routes for venous blood from the brain.
• Falx cerebelli: Separates the two hemispheres of the cerebellum.
• Ventricles: They produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid, protecting the brain and transporting nutrients.
• Subdural hematoma: A medical term for a ruptured vein in the subdural space.
• Arachnoid granulations: The site where cerebrospinal fluid is reabsorbed into the systemic veins.
• Cerebral aqueduct: The narrow passage that connects the third and fourth ventricles.
• Ventricles: Cavities within the brain that produce cerebrospinal fluid.
• Skull trauma: Can result in different types of injuries, including fractures, hematomas, and brain damage.
• Choroid plexus: Located within the ventricles and produces cerebrospinal fluid.
• Subdural veins: Venous structures located in the subdural space.
• Arachnoid granulations: Projections of the arachnoid mater that facilitate cerebrospinal fluid absorption into the venous system.
• Fourth ventricle: Located in the brainstem, filled with cerebrospinal fluid.