Introduction to the brain (Latin)

The brain consists of three main parts; cerebrum, cerebellum and brainstem (truncus encephali). The cerebrum is organized into two hemispheres that are connected by a large bundle of white matter tissue called the corpus callosum. Each hemisphere of the cerebrum contains 5 lobes: lobus frontalis, lobus temporalis, lobus parietalis, lobus occipitalis and the insula (lobus insularis). The lobus insularis is not visible in this image as it is covered by the portions of the lobus parietalis, lobus temporalis and lobus frontalis. These portions are called operculum, which means “covering” of the insula. The outer surface of the cerebrum exhibits many elevated ridges of tissue called gyri, that are separated by grooves called sulci. The gyri and sulci increase the surface area of the cerebrum, providing it with its characteristic convoluted appearance. The cerebellum is found inferior to the occipital lobe of the cerebrum. It also has two hemispheres that are connected by the vermis. The brainstem is the most caudal part of the brain. It is made up of the midbrain (mesencephalon), pons, and medulla oblongata, each of which have their own structural and functional organization.