The Brain

Abstract

The brain can be divided into the following sections based on morphological, developmental, and functional aspects:

• Medulla oblongata

• Pons

• Mesencephalon

• Diencephalon

• Cerebellum

• Telencephalon

A further classification is into:

• Brain-stem

• Cerebellum

• Cerebrum

The brain stem includes the medulla oblongata, the pons and the mesencephalon. The medulla oblongata, pons and cerebellum are grouped together as the rhombencephalon (hind-brain).

In the side-view of the brain, the cerebral hemisphere takes up the most space. The cerebellum is located caudally. In front of this are the medulla oblongata and the pons. The cerebrum comprises the frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital lobes. Sulci (grooves) divide the hemispherical surface into numerous gyri (convolutions). Particularly important are the central and lateral sulci in addition to the pre-central and post-central gyri. The central sulcus separates the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe, while the lateral sulcus (Sylvian fissure) separates the temporal lobe from the parietal and frontal lobes.