Cow Brain Dissection Procedures

by. Biology Club

Materials

Dissection Pan

Brain

Dissection Kit:

Scalpel

Probe

Scissors

Anterior/Rostral: in the front, towards the front Posterior/Caudal: at or towards the back

Lateral: on the side, towards the side Medial: at or towards the middle

Directions:

Dorsal: on top, in the brain and head only Ventral: on the bottom, in the brain and head only

Directions:

Frontal or Coronal Plane: divides the brain from front to back Saggital Plane: divides the brain from left to right

Planes of Orientation:

Planes of Orientation:

Horizontal Plane: divides the brain into top and bottom portions

Procedures

Step #1

The tough outer covering the brain is the dura mater, one of the three meninges (membranes) that cover the brain. Remove the dura mater carefully.

Step #2. External Examination

/ridges/grooves

Put brain down on the flatter side:

Step #2. External Examination

Turn the brain upside down:

Step #3

Starting at the cerebrum and going down through the cerebellum, spinal cord, medulla, and pons. Separate

the two halves of the brain and lay them with the inside facing up.

Step #4

Gently probe the parts and see how they are connected to each other.

Step #4

Terminology

The corpus callosum is a group of white fibers that connects the two hemispheres of the brain, providing coordination between the two.

The medulla helps the nerves cross over so the left hemisphere controls the right side of the body and vice versa. This area of the brain controls the vital functions like heartbeat and respiration.

The pons is next to the medulla. It serves as a bridge between the medulla and the upper brainstem, and it relays messages between the cerebrum and the cerebellum.

The pituitary gland produces important hormones.

Works Cited

http://www.hometrainingtools.com/a/brain-dissection-project

https://biology.mit.edu/sites/default/files/Neuroanatomy%20Lab(Sheep%20Brain).pdf

http://www.biologycorner.com/anatomy/sheepbrain/sheep_brain_dissection_guide.html