TM Carolina Mammal Brain Dissection Guide Pineal body Thalamus Third ventricle Corpus callosum Superior colliculus Septum pellucidum Sulcus Cerebral aqueduct Gyrus Cerebellum Olfactory bulb Optic nerve Fourth ventricle Hypothalamus Central canal Spinal cord C80135 Medulla Pons Hypophysis Midbrain
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CarolinaTM Mammal Brain Dissection Guide Overview The Carolina™ Mammal Brain Dissection Guide is a general set of instructions for dissecting mammal brains. With each type of brain, there will be differences in the size of the structures and brain regions, but the general structures and their relative location will be the same or very similar. Safety Follow safe laboratory practices when performing any dissection. Wear safety glasses or goggles, gloves, and lab aprons when dissecting.
11. Locate the third and fourth ventricles. The fourth ventricle connects to the central canal of the spinal cord. It is also connected to the third ventricle by a cerebral aqueduct. Examine each ventricle and try to identify the choriod plexus, which produces cerebrospinal fluid. 12. With the cut side facing up, locate the following parts: thalamus, hypothalamus, pineal body, pons, and medulla. 13. Observe the cut surface of the cerebellum.
Glossary Arachnoid mater - middle of three layers (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Cerebellum - part of the brain that controls balance and muscle coordination; located inferior to the cerebrum. Cerebral aqueduct - channel connecting the third and fourth ventricles and containing cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebrum - two hemispheres divided by the medial longitudinal fissure; largest portion of the mammalian brain.
Carolina’s Perfect Solution® Independent, certified laboratory analyses of specimens fixed in Carolina’s Perfect Solution® have found it to be nontoxic and free of dangerous off-gassing. This means that, for safety purposes, classrooms and labs using Carolina’s Perfect Solution specimens do not require specialized ventilation. Carolina does recommend using some active ventilation when working with any preserved specimens or chemicals.
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