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 These articles are from a few years ago and are not peer reviewed, but are from reputable publications.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
