Brain dissection
The brain is composed of billions of nerve cells, all interconnected . Signals pass from one neuron to the other not by contact but over tiny gaps called synapses. A basic type of nerve cell is called the Neuron. Neurons have excitable membranes that can depolarize to produce an action potential. They also have specialised extensions called dendrites, cell body, axon and terminal axons, as shown on the right Different types of neurons exist. |
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Refer to the rubric before starting. Draw a diagram of the exterior of the sheep's brain, as shown on the left. You will notice that surface of the cerebrum is organised into folds called gyri, separated by grooves called sulci. On your diagram indicate the following: The cerebrum is deeply wrinkled and folded? Explain why. What could be some of the effects of the folding? Think of communication between different areas of the brain. |
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Cut a small cross-section of one of the cerebral hemispheres. You will notice a band of darker coloured tissue called grey matter. In this area exists neurons that do not have long axons. The nerve cells of the grey matter form connections with each other creating networks through which nerve signals travel. This is where cognitive processing occurs. The dark coloured top layer appears darker because of the cells' dark nuclei. This is called the cortex and contains roughly 70% of the one hundred billion or so nerve cells in the brain. |
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The white matter, is composed of neurons that have long myelinated axons, as shown above. It forms the structures at the center of the brain, like the thalamus and the hypothalamus. It is found between the brainstem and the cerebellum. It is this white matter that allows communication to and from grey matter areas, and between grey matter and the other parts of the body, such as muscles and major organs. Axons are protected by the myelin sheath, which provides insulation from the electrical processes, allowing them to transmit nerve signals faster than unmeylinated axons. It is also the myelin that is responsible for the white appearance of the white matter. 60 percent of the brain is comprised of white matter. However 94% of the oxygen consumbed by the brain is used by the grey matter. Why is the spinal cord composed of white matter?If myelin allows for faster conduction of signals why do the neurons of grey matter not have myelinated axons? Describe the distribution of white and grey matter. Give a reason for this. |
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Using a scalpel, cut the brain in half as shown on the left. Label the following Indicate the location of the hypothalamus on your diagram. What is the purpose of the hypothalamus? |
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The image on the left is pointing out the pituitary gland. What is the function of the pituitary gland? (Research may be required to answer this question) |
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What is being pointed to in the diagram on the left? What is the function of such fluid filled chambers in the brain? |
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What is the name of the structure pointed to by the teacher in the image on the left? What is its function |
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4) Identify the structures A and B These slides may help. The brain stem is made up of the pons, medulla and cerebellum. Identify the parts of the brainstem in your drawing or digital image. |
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5) i) Identify structure A
. What is its function?
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