The National Institute of Neurological Disorders stated that the brain is the most complex part of the body(1). It is the source of all qualities that define one’s humanity.
The brain controls thoughts, memory, speech, and arm and leg movements, including the functions of several other organs within the body(2).
Moreover, the brain determines how individuals respond to stressful situations, such as developing ailments, losing a job, taking a test, and giving birth.
The three main parts of the brain include the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem.
The cerebrum is the largest portion of the brain(3). The cerebral cortex (gray matter) is the outermost layer of the cerebrum.
Moreover, the cerebrum is divided into two hemispheres(4). The left hemisphere is involved in speech and abstract thinking, while the right hemisphere often controls spatial thinking and imagery.
Furthermore, the right hemisphere controls the left side of the body, while the left hemisphere manages the right side(5). These hemispheres communicate with each other through the corpus colosseum, a thick tract of nerves(6).
The cerebrum is also involved in other functions, such as coordination of movement, learning, vision, reasoning, emotions, and problem-solving(7).
The brain’s hemispheres have four lobes(8). These include the frontal lobes, parietal lobes, occipital lobes, and temporal lobes.
The frontal lobe is the biggest section of the brain(9). This lobe is involved in thinking, planning, problem-solving, short-term memory, and movement.
The parietal lobe is the brain’s middle part, which aids in identifying objects and understanding spatial relationships(10). This lobe is responsible for interpreting sensory messages, like taste, touch, and temperature.
Located at the back of the brain, the occipital lobe is involved in processing images from the eyes and linking information with images stored in one’s memory(11).
The temporal lobe is located at the sides of the brain(12). This lobe is involved in processing information from one’s sense of smell, taste, and sound(13). Moreover, it is essential for memory storage.
Occupying the back of the brain, the cerebellum is involved in coordinating voluntary muscle movements and maintaining balance and posture(13). The cerebellum performs this function by controlling muscles’ tone and the limbs’ position(14).
The cerebellum is also essential when performing rapid and repetitive actions, like playing video games(15). Moreover, in the cerebellum, right-sided irregularities show symptoms on the same side of the body.
The brainstem is what links the brain and the spinal cord(16). It is involved in several functions essential to life, including blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. Moreover, the brainstem is vital for sleep.
The brainstem includes the midbrain, medulla, and pons.
The midbrain is the shortest part of the brain(17). It helps regulate various body functions, including eye and face movement and auditory and visual information processing.
The most crucial part of the entire brain is the medulla oblongata(18). Located at the lowest part of the brainstem, it is involved in breathing control, heart rhythms, blood pressure, and swallowing(19).
The pons is responsible for coordinating eye and face movements, hearing, facial sensation, and balance(20). It is a deep part of the brain located in the brainstem.
The limbic system is composed of structures deep within the brain(21). These structures are responsible for controlling emotions and memories. Moreover, they come in pairs, with each part duplicated in the opposite half of the brain.
The thalamus serves as a gatekeeper for messages that pass between the cerebral hemisphere and the spinal cord(22). Pain sensation, temperature, and blood pressure are relayed through the thalamus(23).
Although relatively small in size, the hypothalamus is essential in different functions(24). These include heart rate control, the passage of food, and the contraction of the bladder.
Moreover, the hypothalamus helps translate emotions, like pleasure, excitement, and fear, into a physical response. The hypothalamus also controls urges, like eating or sleeping.
The hippocampus is responsible for sending information to be stored in respective sections of the cerebrum and remembering those pieces of information when necessary(25).
While the body and brain may change as people age, there are ways to avoid memory decline and keep a healthy mind(26).
Understanding the anatomy of the brain and following the tips above can help individuals protect their brains.
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) accurately irradiates a tumor with multiple small radiation beams. The complexity of an IMRT treatment is significantly longer than that of conventional radiation therapy because of the extra treatment time.
Venous sinuses: locations on axial cuts (MRI of the brain after medium contrast administration) Venous sinuses: locations on sagittal and coronal slices (MRI of the brain after medium contrast administration) Venous sinuses of the brain: sequence Time-of-flight Intracranial Venous System The intracranial or cerebral venous system is a network of nerves made up of two …
These two photo galleries present the anatomy of Circle of Willis by means angio-MRI (Maximum Intensity Projection Time-Of-Flight). Circle of Willis: AP view with rotations Circle of Willis: lateral view with rotations The circle of Willis plays a crucial part in maintaining blood flow in the brain. The circle of Willis is where several arteries …
This photo gallery presents the anatomy of corpus callosum by means of MRI (T1-weighted sagittal, axial and coronal views). The corpus callosum, meaning “calloused body” in Latin, is a thick bundle of nerves that bridges the brain’s two cerebral hemispheres or sides(1). The rapid development of the corpus callosum starting from infancy continues until an …
This photo gallery presents the anatomy of fornix by means of MRI (T1-weighted sagittal, axial and coronal views). The fornix, which means “arch” in Latin, is a C-shaped bundle of white matter (nerve fibers) in the brain. The fornix is an essential part of the limbic system and represents the hippocampus’ most extensive single pathway, …
The frontal lobe is located in the anterior part of the cerebral hemispheres: • Anterior to the parietal lobe. (The frontal lobe is separated from the parietal lobe by the central sulcus (of Rolando)). • Superior to the . (The frontal lobe is separated from the by the lateral fissure of Sylvius). Magnetic resonance imaging …
This page describes the path of the glossopharyngeal nerve with brain MRI (axial T1 and T2 weighted images). Bibliographie: • Harnsberger HR, Osborn AG, Ross JS, Moore KR, Salzman KL, Carrasco CR, Halmiton BE, Davidson HC, Wiggins RH. Diagnostic and Surgical Imaging Anatomy: Brain, Head and Neck, Spine. 3rd ed. Salt Lake City, Utah. Amirsys. …
The hypothalamus is a portion of the brain near the third ventricle, located below the thalamus and above the brainstem. The anterior boundary of the hypothalamus is determined by the line connecting the anterior commissure, the lamina terminalis and the optic chiasm. The lower limit of the hypothalamus is formed by the infundibulum, the tuber …
The Insular lobe (nsula) is located in depth of Sylvian fissure. The cortex of the insula is covered by frontal operculum, parietal operculum and temporal operculum. The insula has five gyri. The Anatomy of the Insula The insular lobe or insula is one of the least understood regions of the brain(1). It is known as …
Gyrus (plural gyri) is a ridge on the cerebral cortex. Sulcus (plural sulci) is a groove that separates gyri. The cerebral hemispheres are separated by a median cleft: the inherhemispheric fissure (great longitudinal fissure). The falx cerebri (cerebral falx) is a fold of dura mater which lies within inherhemispheric fissure Harnsberger HR, Osborn AG, Ross …
This photo gallery presents the anatomy of internal capsule by means of MRI (T1-weighted axial and coronal views). Reference: • Harnsberger HR, Osborn AG, Ross JS, Moore KR, Salzman KL, Carrasco CR, Halmiton BE, Davidson HC, Wiggins RH. Diagnostic and Surgical Imaging Anatomy: Brain, Head and Neck, Spine. 3rd ed. Salt Lake City, Utah. Amirsys. …
This web page presents the anatomy of cisterns and subarachnoid spaces by means of MRI. Premedullary cistern Prepontine cistern Cerebellopontine cistern Cisterna magna Superior cerebellar cistern Interpeduncular cistern Ambient cistern Quadrigeminal cistern Suprasellar cistern What Are Cerebral Cisterns? Cisterns, commonly known as subarachnoid cisterns, are …
The lateral sulcus (Sylvian fissure) separates the frontal lobe (superior) from the temporal lobe (inferior). The insula lobe is located in depth of the lateral sulcus and is covered by the cortex from the frontal lobe, temporal and parietal (operculum) The lateral sulcus, also referred to as the Sylvian fissure or lateral fissure, is one …
There are several areas in the lateral ventricle: • the frontal horn, which is bounded by the caudate nucleus, Corpus callosum and septum pellucidum • the body of the lateral ventricle is bounded by the caudate nucleus / thalamus, corpus callosum and fornix • the atrium: this is the focal point of the occipital and …
This photo gallery presents the anatomy of lentiform nucleus by means of MRI (T1-weighted axial and coronal views). Reference: • Harnsberger HR, Osborn AG, Ross JS, Moore KR, Salzman KL, Carrasco CR, Halmiton BE, Davidson HC, Wiggins RH. Diagnostic and Surgical Imaging Anatomy: Brain, Head and Neck, Spine. 3rd ed. Salt Lake City, Utah. Amirsys. …
The brain can be divided into left and right cerebral hemispheres. Each cerebral hemisphere is divided into six sections, called “lobes”: frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal and occipital lobe; plus two other that are not visible from outside: Insula and limbic lobe. To locate these different lobes of the brain, a 3D reconstruction was made …
This photo gallery presents the anatomy of Cerebellum by means of MRI (T1-weighted sagittal, axial and coronal views). The cerebellum, Latin for “little brain,” is found at the base of the hindbrain or back of the brain. Findings showed that the cerebellum plays a vital role in maintaining balance, coordinating voluntary muscle movement, and executing …
The central sulcus (fissure of Rolando) separates the frontal lobe (anterior) from the parietal lobe (posterior). The location of the central sulcus is made by finding the intersection of the superior frontal sulcus with the precentral sulcus on axial slices near the top: see figure 8. Reference • Harnsberger HR, Osborn AG, Ross JS, Moore …
This photo gallery presents the anatomy of caudate nucleus by means of MRI (T1-weighted axial, sagittal and coronal views). The caudate nucleus (CN) plays a vital role in various higher neurological functions. The CN is a paired, C-shaped subcortical structure located deep inside the brain near the thalamus(1). Caudate nuclei contain a large anterior head, …
This photo gallery presents the anatomy of brainstem by means of MRI (T1-weighted sagittal, axial and coronal views). Brainstem = Midbrain + Pons + Medulla The Brainstem The brainstem refers to the middle part of the brain(1). It consists of the medulla, pons, and midbrain. The brainstem helps relay sensory information, such as pain, eye …
• Lentiforme Nucleus = putamen + globus pallidus • Corpus striatum = caudate nucleus + putamen + globus pallidus • Neostriatum = caudate nucleus + putamen. Basal ganglia denote the nuclei of gray matter deep below the cerebral hemispheres. The basal ganglia (or basal nuclei) is a group of subcortical nuclei found deep within the …
This photo gallery presents the anatomical structures found on cerebral CT. Cerebral Computed Tomography (CT) Cerebral computed tomography (CT) is a radiographic procedure that uses X-rays to produce medical images of the head, including the brain, skull, sinuses, and eye sockets(1). Through cerebral CT, radiographers see the patient’s brain without the need for surgery. The …
Bibliographie: • Harnsberger HR, Osborn AG, Ross JS, Moore KR, Salzman KL, Carrasco CR, Halmiton BE, Davidson HC, Wiggins RH. Diagnostic and Surgical Imaging Anatomy: Brain, Head and Neck, Spine. 3rd ed. Salt Lake City, Utah. Amirsys. 2007.
The posterior cerebral arteries arise from the division of Basilar artery. The posterior cerebral arteries end above the tentorium, in the calcarine sulcus. Posterior cerebral artery is divided into 4 parts: P1 segment courses from the basilar artery to the posterior communicating artery. The P1 segment passes over the oculomotor nerve (III). P2 segment begins …
This photo gallery presents the anatomy of Pons by means of MRI (T1-weighted sagittal, axial and coronal views).
This photo gallery presents the anatomy of pineal gland by means of MRI (T1-weighted sagittal, axial and coronal views). Harnsberger HR, Osborn AG, Ross JS, Moore KR, Salzman KL, Carrasco CR, Halmiton BE, Davidson HC, Wiggins RH. Diagnostic and Surgical Imaging Anatomy: Brain, Head and Neck, Spine. 3rd ed. Salt Lake City, Utah. Amirsys. 2007. …
Parietooccipital sulcus separates partially the parietal lobe from occipital lobe in his medial part. Parietooccipital sulcus delimits the precuneus (parietal lobe) from the cuneus (occipital lobe). Bibliographie: • Harnsberger HR, Osborn AG, Ross JS, Moore KR, Salzman KL, Carrasco CR, Halmiton BE, Davidson HC, Wiggins RH. Diagnostic and Surgical Imaging Anatomy: Brain, Head and Neck, …
The parietal lobe is located in the upper part of the cerebral hemispheres: • posterior to the frontal lobe • superior to the temporal lobe • the parietal lobe is partially separated from the temporal lobe by the Sylvian fissure (lateral sulcus). • Anterior to the occipital lobe. • The parietal lobe is separated from …
This page describes the path of the oculomotor nerve with brain MRI (axial, coronal and sagittal T1-weighted images). Clinicians use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the imaging technique to diagnose ischemic vasculopathy, mass formation, or aneurysm(1). MRI is also the modality of choice in patients with cranial nerve palsy and the assessment of ocular motor …
An “overview” of the brain anatomy is offered on this page. A review of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used as support. The anatomy of the brain is studied by means of axial, coronal and sagittal views. The MRI sequence used is a 3D gradient echo T1-weighted. For a more detailed description of the …
This photo gallery presents the anatomy of Anterior Commissure – Posterior Commissure by means of MRI (T1-weighted sagittal, axial and coronal views). Reference • Naidich TP, Daniels DL, Pech P, Haughton VM, Williams A, Pojunas K. Anterior commissure: anatomic-MR correlation and use as a landmark in three orthogonal planes. Radiology. 1986 Feb;158(2):421-9. • Harnsberger HR, …
The Internal carotid artery divides into middle cerebral artery and anterior cerebral artery. The anterior cerebral artery enters the longitudinal interhemispheric fissure of the brain. The anterior communicating artery connects right anterior communicating artery to left anterior communicating artery. The anterior cerebral artery is divided into 3 parts: A1 segment, horizontal, get around in the …
The occipital lobe is located in the posterior part of the cerebral hemispheres: • posterior to the temporal lobe and parietal lobe • the occipital lobe is partially separated from the parietal lobe by the parietooccipital fissure. • In addition, there is only virtual separation between the temporal lobe and occipital lobe. Anatomy of the …
This photo gallery presents the anatomy of pituitary gland by means of MRI (T2-weighted coronal views, T1-weighted sagittal and coronal views). The pituitary gland is a small gland that controls the body’s hormones(1). A pituitary MRI or magnetic resonance imaging is a technique that takes pictures of the brain’s pituitary gland and its surrounding areas. …
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the turcic sella (pituitary gland) Read More »
The Internal carotid artery divides into middle cerebral artery and anterior cerebral artery. The middle cerebral artery travels to the lateral fissure. The middle cerebral artery is divided into 4 parts: M1 segment, horizontal, from the internal carotid artery to the lateral fissure M2 segment, insular, designates the branches located inside the Sylvian fissure (to …
This photo gallery presents the anatomy of midbrain by means of MRI (T1-weighted sagittal, axial and coronal views).
This photo gallery presents the anatomy of Medulla by means of MRI (T1-weighted sagittal, axial and coronal views).
At the level of the cerebral hemisphere, gray matter is mainly distributed in the periphery (cortex) while the white matter is deep. However, there is gray matter in depth of the brain called basal ganglia. In the brainstem, gray matter is usually found in the depth while the white matter is superficial. In the spinal …
The ventricular system consists of: • two lateral ventricles • the third ventricle • the fourth ventricle. The lateral ventricle communicates with the third ventricle by the interventricular foramen or foramen of Monro. The third ventricle is in communication with the fourth ventricle through the cerebral aqueduct. The fourth ventricle is related to the subarachnoid …
This page describes the path of the trigeminal nerve with brain MRI (axial, coronal and sagittal T1- and T2- weighted images). Bibliographie: • Harnsberger HR, Osborn AG, Ross JS, Moore KR, Salzman KL, Carrasco CR, Halmiton BE, Davidson HC, Wiggins RH. Diagnostic and Surgical Imaging Anatomy: Brain, Head and Neck, Spine. 3rd ed. Salt Lake …
This photo gallery presents the anatomy of thalamus by means of MRI (T1-weighted axial, sagittal and coronal views). Harnsberger HR, Osborn AG, Ross JS, Moore KR, Salzman KL, Carrasco CR, Halmiton BE, Davidson HC, Wiggins RH. Diagnostic and Surgical Imaging Anatomy: Brain, Head and Neck, Spine. 3rd ed. Salt Lake City, Utah. Amirsys. 2007. Bourjat …
The temporal lobe is located in the lower part of the cerebral hemispheres: • Inferior to the frontal lobe and parietal lobe. The temporal lobe is separated from the frontal lobe by the lateral sulcus (or Sylvian fissure). • Anterior to the occipital lobe. The temporal lobe is virtually continuous with the occipital lobe. Harnsberger …
This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on thigh MRI. Thigh Magnetic Resonance Imaging The thigh has some of the body’s largest muscles. Thigh muscles...
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This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on knee MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a radiologic procedure that uses a magnetic field and radio...
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This photo gallery presents the anatomy of the abdomen by means of CT (axial, coronal, and sagittal reconstructions). Abdominal Computed Tomography Abdominal computed tomography (CT)...
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This photo gallery presents the anatomy of the chest by means of CT (axial reconstructions – mediastinal window). The chest or thorax is the region...
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This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on hip MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilizes magnet and radio waves to produce diagnostic images that allow...
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This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on orbit CT. Computed tomography (CT) is the standard diagnostic test for evaluating cross-sectional, two– or three-dimensional images...
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This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on ankle MRI. Radiologists perform ankle imaging to assess injuries of the foot and ankle anatomy. Experts analyze...
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This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on wrist MRI. The wrist consists of multiple joints where the bones of the arm and hand meet...
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This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on shoulder MRI. Radiologists primarily perform shoulder imaging to assess injuries within the shoulder joint. Experts analyze the...
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This photo gallery presents the anatomy of Cerebellum by means of MRI (T1-weighted sagittal, axial and coronal views). The cerebellum, Latin for “little brain,” is...
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The Internal carotid artery divides into middle cerebral artery and anterior cerebral artery. The middle cerebral artery travels to the lateral fissure. The middle cerebral...
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This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on ankle CT. Anatomy of the Foot and Ankle The foot is a structure of the body with...
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An “overview” of the brain anatomy is offered on this page. A review of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used as support. The anatomy...
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The sagittal suture is the line where the right and left parietal bone are in contact. The coronal suture is the line where the parietal...
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This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on elbow MRI. MRI Examination of the Elbow Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the procedures used...
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This photo gallery presents the anatomical structures found on cerebral CT. Cerebral Computed Tomography (CT) Cerebral computed tomography (CT) is a radiographic procedure that uses...
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