Lab 10 (ƒ2) - Internal Organization of the Brain

Medulla

Two identifying landmarks for the medulla are the Inferior Olivary Complex and the Pyramids. The first coronal section shown below is taken at the junction between the pons and medulla. The medullary landmarks mentioned below can be seen in the central region of the slide, and a more lateral portion with the inferior and middle cerebellar peduncles - landmarks of the pons. Also notice that the volume of the remaining corticofugal fibers is much reduced. In the medulla, these fibers form a compact bundle, the pyramidal tract on the anterior surface of the medulla.