Human Brain Anatomy
The english version of this page has been written in collaboration with Nick Johnson, University of SanDiego, California
First Step: From the Cortex to the Lateral Ventricle
First, watch the video with sound. To practice, cut the sound, replay the video, and try to remember the names of the structures on your own...
Second Step: Hippocampal Formation and Amygdala.
Third Step: From the Septum Pellucidum to the Insula
And the corresponding functions ? (not given in the video) ?
The properties and functions of the septum pellucidum were likely translocated toward the septal area during evolution processes (cf. fifth step).
The striatum belongs to the set of structures responsible for movment control, and is involved in the impairments associated with Parkinson desease. The claustrum's functions are still a mystery, but according to Crick and Koch it may be involved in consciousness... The insula is involved in taste preference and in language.
The striatum, what is it ?
Putamen + Pallidum = lenticular nuclei (they have the shape of lentils)
Putamen + Caudé = Neostriatum
Pallidum = Paleostriatum
Amygdala = Archeostriatum
For some neuroanatomists, Striatum = Caudate + Putamen (= neostriatum)
For others, Striatum = Caudate + Putamen + Pallidum
Historically, the striated appearence of the fibres of the internal capsula likely led to this name. So, how is it possible not to consider that Striatum = Caudate + Putamen + Pallidum + Internal Capsula ?
In summary, who's right ?
Everybody, but for students learning neuroanatomy, the teacher (and particularly the one who corrects the student's papers) is always right. So, please cf. your lesson notes.
And just to say everything:
Basal ganglia = Caudate + Putamen + Pallidum + Subthalamic nucleus + Substancia nigra
Grey central nuclei = Basal ganglia + Amygdala + Thalamus
But even in anatomy, debates still exists over these groupings.
Fourth Step: Visual Pathways
Fifth Step: The Thalamus and its Surroundings.
Sixth Step: Between the Hypothalamus and the Spinal Horn.
Seventh Step: Ventricular System.
cf. step 1, 5 and 6...
Don't forget to train yourself on The Whole Brain Atlas
