Sheep Brain Dissection

In this lab, we examined different brain structures that was visible from the outside as well as within the cross section. The brain was encased by the meninges so we first removed that. It is a very thin and shiny membrane that surround the brain and protects the brain as well as spinal cord. Then, we identified the anterior and posterior sides as well as the cerebrum, cerebellum and the brain stem. Then, we cut longitudinally into the brain so that we had a cross section view of it. We looked for the thalamus, optic nerve, medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain, corpus callosum, and the hypothalamus. Finally, we cut the cerebrum in half to identify gray vs white matter. Being able to physically examine and dissect the brain really allowed me to understand the different parts to the brain and how the function together.
The myelin in a neuron increases the speed of electrical impulses so they can transmit much quicker and more efficient.

Structures	Function
Cerebrum	Sensory & neural functions as well as initiation & coordination of voluntary activity
Cerebellum	Coordination & regulation of muscular activity
Brain stem	Controls flow of message that happens between the brain and the body, also controls basic body functions like breathing
Thalamus	Regulates body’s voluntary motor control, consciousness, as well as sleep/wake cycle
Optic nerve	Transfers visual information from the retina to the brain
Medulla oblongata	Helps regulate breathing, heart, blood vessel, digestion, sneezing & swallowing
Pons	Controls breathing, helps communication within different parts of the brain and sensations such as hearing, taste and balance
Midbrain	Involved with vision, hearing, motor control, sleep/wake, alertness and temperature regulation
Corpus callosum	Connects the left & rights side of the brain, allows them to communicate
Hypothalamus	Links the nervous to the endocrine system

Brain with meninges attached