Supratentorial Dissection of the Human Brain for Neuroscientists

Abstract

Background:Recent clinical advancements, including brain imaging or target specific procedures, have increased the demand for a more advanced understanding of the structure of the brain. The need for a more sophisticated, functionally relevant understanding the structure of the brain has resulted in a surge of neuroanatomy dissection courses, including gross neuroanatomical observation, cross-sectioning, blunt dissection and various fiber dissection techniques. Methods: Sixteen (16) adult, formalin fixed cerebral hemispheres were included in this study. Surface anatomy, blunt dissection of the lateral ventricles, and cross-sectioning of the anterior portion of the hemisphere, was performed on all specimens. Results:A detailed, but simplified, protocol consisting of seven steps is proposed for the study of the supratentorial anatomy of the human brain. The first two steps promote an appreciation of the predominate structural pattern of the surface of the brain. Four distinct, consecutive dissection steps are recommended for the dissection of the ventricular system. Horizontal cross-sectioning of the anterior portion of the hemisphere is described in five sub-steps. Conclusion: Dissection methods described provides an appreciation of the predominate structural pattern of the surface of the brain, in relation to the deep the structures. This appreciation is gained through the step-by-step dissection of the ventricular system and cross-sections. In addition to understanding the surface-to-deep relationships, the hands-on practical study of the anatomy of brain as described herein, allows the observer to gain a true three-dimensional structural understanding of the human brain.