Lab 1 - Overview of the Nervous System

Major Divisions of the Brain

No two brains, nor two halves of the same brain, are quite alike in their surface pattern. Many of the major sulci and gyri, however, are generally constant in shape and position. Do not let the inconsistent use of the terms fissures and sulci disturb you. The term fissure is supposed to indicate a groove that is deeper than a sulcus, but many times the words are used interchangeably.

The brain consists of the following subdivisions: Major Divisions of the Brain

Prosencephalon (forebrain)

  1. Telencephalon (cerebral hemispheres)
  2. Diencephalon

Brain Stem

  1. Mesencephalon (midbrain)
  2. Rhombencephalon (hindbrain)