3D anatomical images showing brain tissue
Right half of the right hemisphere of the brain
Image showing the right hemisphere of the brain. This part of the brain controls language, memory and sensory processing. Although scientists believe that the right hemisphere of the brain is associated with mental states, the right hemisphere of the brain is actually not as good at creating inspiration or thinking logically as the left hemisphere of the brain.
The “padding” of the brain
In this picture, the left hemisphere of the brain has been completely removed to show the surface of the right hemisphere. Arteries and veins snake through the brain tissue. The larger, white, flared structure in the middle of the image is the lateral ventricle, which is filled with cerebrospinal fluid that cushions the pressure of brain tissue.
Optic nerve crossings
This is the optic nerve crossing, which is important for the initial vision of the eye.
Cerebellum
The cerebellum, which is an important part of motor control, is like a separate organ under the two cerebral hemispheres. This image shows the “inferior occipital surface” of the cerebellum, located below the image.
The base of the cerebellum
The dura mater, a hard tissue layer, separates the brain (left and right hemispheres) from the cerebellum, but the cerebellum still receives information from the rest of the brain tissue and reaches the part of the brainstem called the bridge through connections.
Spinal cord
With the removal of the cerebellum, the top of the spinal cord is revealed. In this picture, the spinal cord connects to an area of brain tissue called the medulla oblongata, the part of the brainstem responsible for unconscious functions such as breathing.
Large Cerebral Veins
The blue portion of the diagram shows the large cerebral veins that draw blood from the brain. The large cerebral vein is also known as the “vein of Galen”, named after the ancient Greek physician Galen, who discovered the existence of the large cerebral vein.
Cerebral hemisphere
This is a median sagittal view of the brain tissue and clearly shows the pituitary gland, a circular structure surrounded by blood vessels, just behind the nose and below the hypothalamus (lower left in the picture), also known as the “master gland”, which releases hormones that act on other glands.
Brainstem
As shown in the diagram, the lateral ventricles (cisterns) and other structures surround the brainstem. The brainstem controls basic somatic functions, such as respiration and blood pressure. It is also an important center: the neurons responsible for transmitting sensory and motor (muscle activity) information between brain tissue and the soma pass through the brainstem.
The nerve plexus
The plexus and arteries intersect at the “pontocerebellar horn”, which is the connection between the cerebellum and the pons. As part of the brainstem, the pons regulate the transmission of information between the cerebellum and other brain tissue. During brain surgery, the surgeon must be very careful to avoid causing damage to the nerves and blood vessels.