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How Much of the Brain Can a Person Do Without? (link opens in new window) Is this the most extraordinary brain ever seen? (link opens in new window)

Hands On Lab: Brain (7Activities)

Submission instructions

 

· Type your answers and copy all pictures directly into this Word document. Submit it via the blackboard submission link in Word format (docx).

 

Introduction:

The brain is the control center of the body. This lab will help you understand the different parts of the brain and their functions. Focus on being able to ID the regions/structures and then add in their function. This is a complex, amazing organ!

 

Watch/Read These:

 

This dissection video on the human brain is from the Utah School of Medicine and goes into detail on the meninges (Link opens in new window: 15min). There are 26 other videos on various parts of the human brain for those of you that are interested; just scroll up and down on that site.

 

The two articles linked below are brief and interesting. These articles are from a few years ago and are not peer reviewed, but are from reputable publications. They are a good starting point if you wanted to start digging deeper into these topics.

 

How Much of the Brain Can a Person Do Without? (link opens in new window)

 

Is this the most extraordinary brain ever seen? (link opens in new window)

 

These aid in thinking about the importance of surface area in the brain and the plasticity of the human brain.

 

Activity 1: Virtual Sheep Brain Dissection

In the laboratory, we dissect sheep brains because their parts and structure are similar to the human brain. The virtual sheep brain dissection laboratory will mimic the activity we would do in lab and teach you the basics of brain anatomy.

 

Virtual Sheep Brain Dissection (opens new window)

 

Please see the Module 4 Lab Study Objectives for all of the structures you are responsible for. You are not required to learn any markings in the virtual lab that are not on this list.

 

Activity 2: Identifying Major Brain Regions

The brain is divided into four major regions. Below, you will be identifying the major regions (A-D) in the picture AND completing the table by giving a brief description of each region’s function (Ex: What is the main function of the brainstem, what’s its main job(s)?)

 

 

 

1.

 

2

 

Region (A-D)

 

Function

 

2. Brainstem= Letter

 

3.

 

4. Diencephalon= Letter

 

5.

 

6. Cerebellum= Letter

 

7.

 

8. Cerebrum= Letter

 

9.

 

Activity 3: Brainstem and Diencephalon Subdivisions

The brainstem and diencephalon each contain 3 subdivisions. Fill in the blanks in the table below so that each subdivision is stated and has its function and brain region listed. Ex: the first row is asking for the function of the epithalamus which is located in the diencephalon region of the brain. For the second row, you need to identify the subdivision based on the given function and brain region.

 

Subdivision

 

Function

 

Brain Region

 

Epithalamus

 

10.

 

Diencephalon

 

11.

 

Breathing/Heart rate

 

Brainstem

 

Midbrain

 

Sensory Reflexes

 

12.

 

Hypothalamus

 

13.

 

14.

 

Pons

 

15.

 

Brainstem

 

15.

 

Sensory Relay Center

 

Diencephalon

 

Activity 4: Diencephalon Region Labeling

Use the diagram below to answer #16 through #21.

 

 

 

Write the letter from the above diagram that corresponds with the structures listed.

 

16. Infundibulum____

 

17. Pineal Gland____

 

18. Thalamus____

 

19. Pituitary Gland____

 

20. Hypothalamus____

 

21. Subthalamus____

 

Activity 5: Cerebellar Region Labeling

The Cerebellum plays a large role in balance, locomotion, and coordination. While it is only approximately 10% of brain volume, it contains over 50% of the total number of neurons in the brain to aid the human body in regulating and coordinating motor movements. For each part of the brain (cerebellum and brainstem) in the diagram below, state what structure corresponds to each letter.

 

 

 

22. A____________

 

23. B____________

 

24. C.____________

 

25. D.____________

 

26. E.____________

 

27. F.____________

 

Activity 6: Ventricles

When we think about the ventricles, we are thinking about the production and flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the CNS. Using the diagram on the next page, write the letter that matches with the following regions (#28 through #32):

 

28. Lateral ventricle ____

 

29. Fourth ventricle____

 

30. Interventricular foramen ____

 

31. Cerebral aqueduct ____

 

32.Third ventricle ____

 

 

 

6

 

Activity 7: Cranial Nerves: Labeling and Functions

Most of the head and shoulders are under the control of one of the 12 cranial nerves, including all of the special senses, somatic senses, and motor functions. Cranial nerves may be tricky to learn at first so try a Mnemonic to aid you in learning. For example:

 

On Occasion Our Trusty Truck Acts Funny Very Good Vehicle Any How

 

Once you feel comfortable with the terms and then the labeling of the cranial nerves, you can start to add in the functions of each.

 

Looking at the diagram on the next page, state the name of each of the identified cranial nerves.

 

33.

 

34.

 

35.

 

36.

 

37.

 

 

 

38. Choose one cranial nerve that you did not identify in the diagram above and state its name AND function (both must be correct for credit)

 

39. Choose one more cranial nerve that you did not identify in the diagram above and state its name AND function (both must be correct for credit)

 

For the next set of questions, identify the cranial nerve (any of the 12) based on the given function or clinical test.

 

40. Sensory impulses as associated with equilibrium and hearing.

 

41. Motor impulses to muscles that move the tongue

 

42. Sensory impulses associated with smell

 

43. Motor impulses to lateral rectus muscles that move the eyes laterally

 

44. The patient is asked to cough and swallow. The gag reflex may be tested. Speaking ability may be assessed

 

45. Patient is asked to rotate head/shrug shoulders normally and with resistance

 

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