Neuroscience
External Features - Lateral Surface
Lateral Sulcus
(Sylvian Fissure)
• separates the frontal and temporal lobes
• note: both “fissure” and “sulcus” are used
Central,Precentral &
Postcentral sulci
• Boundary between primary motor cortex
(precentral gyrus) and primary
somatosensory cortex (postcentral gyrus)
Precentral/Postcentral gyri
• precentral gyrus - primary motor cortex
• postcentral gyrus - primary
somatosensory cortex
Frontal gyri
• note: parts of inferior frontal gyrus
(orbital, triangular, opercular)
• triangular + opercular = Broca’s area
(center for expressive speech)
Temporal sulci
Temporal inferior sulcus
Temporal gyri
Temporal lobe
(superior aspect)
• transverse temporal gyri also shown
Insula
(coronal)
• also known as “insular cortex”
• the insula is an area of cortex
(including sulci and gyri)
Insula
(horizontal)
• note: the insula is hidden deep
inside the sylvian fissure
Insula
(temporal removed)
• In a gross brain,you can only locate
the insula by removing the temporal
Transverse temporal gyrus
• “Heschel’s gyrus;”are the primary auditory cortex
• lies inside the sylvian fissure
• runs perpendicular to the superior temporal gyrus
(which runs the length of the temporal lobes)
Supramarginal gyrus
• to locate, trace the sylvian fissure
posteriorly to its termination
Angular gyrus
• to locate, trace the superior temporal
sulcus posteriorly to its termination
Superior parietal lobule
Superior parietal lobule
(lateral view)
Superior parietal lobule &
Intraparietal sulcus
• separates the inferior and superior parietal lobules
• note: angular + supramarginal gyri form the inferior
parietal lobule
Lateral Overview
Coronal Overview
Neuroscience
External Features - Medial Surface
Corpus callosum
• is a massive body of white matter pathways that
interconnect the left and right hemispheres
• 4 parts (ant -> post) : rostrum, genu, body & splenium
Fornix
•
•
•
white matter pathway that forms the output of the hippocampal
formation in the medial temporal lobes (crucial part of limbic system)
arcs down underneath the corpus callosum
fornix is bilaterally represented (join @ midline)
Anterior Commissure
• white matter pathway that connects the left and
right hemispheres
• MUCH smaller than the corpus callosum
• to locate, follow the arc of the fornix
Paracentral lobule
• the medial continuation of precentral and
postcentral gyri
Cingulate gyrus and
sulcus
• the gyrus that sits just superior to the corpus callosum
• important part of the limbic system (similar to fornix)
Parietooccipital
fissure (or sulcus)
• from this aspect (the medial) is the only way you can
see this separation of the occipital and parietal
lobes by a clear, deep parietooccipital fissure; the
lateral aspect shows no clear boundary
Calcarine sulcus
• its banks form the primary cortex
• cuneus - the portion of medial occipital lobe superior to the
calcarine sulcus
• lingual gyrus - below the calcarine sulcus; resembles a tongue
Medial Overview
Neuroscience
External Features - Ventral Surface
Gyrus rectus(straight gyrus)
medial view
Gyrus rectus(straight gyrus)
ventral view
Orbital gyri
• sits just above the orbits of the eyes
• this cortex is crucial to higher level
behavioral regulation
Parahippocampal gyrus
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•
•
•
the medial most aspect of the inferior temporal lobe
contains the hippocampal formation
runs continuously with the cingulate gyrus
important part of the limbic system
Parahippocampal gyrus
(medial view)
Occipitotemporal gyrus
(ventral view)
• located between the hippocampal gyrus and
inferior temporal gyrus
• note: not responsible for medial and lateral
distinctions
Occipitotemporal gyrus
(medial view)
Collateral sulcus
• separates the parahippocampal gyrus and the
occipitotemporal gyrus
Uncus
(ventral view)
• the medial “protrusion” of the temporal lobe
Uncus
(medial view)
Ventral Overview
Neuroscience
Arteries
Circle of Willis
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Internal carotid artery
Middle cerebral artery
Anterior cerebral artery
Posterior cerebral artery
Anterior/posterior
communicating artery
Superior cerebellar artery
Anterior/posterior
cerebellar artery
(AICA & PICA)
Vertebral artery
Basilar artery
Neuroscience
Ventricles and Miscellaneous Structures
Lateral ventricles
Septum Pellucidum
• thin membrane separating the lateral ventricles
Interventricular
foramen of Monroe
Third ventricle
• is not specifically labeled, but is surrounding
the thalamus
Cerebral aqueduct
Fourth ventricle
(medial view)
• note: cerebellum removed
Fourth ventricle
(close-up)
Foramen of Magendie
• the “median apertures”
Foramina of Luschka
• the “lateral apertures”
• atlas does not have this structure labeled,
just know its approximate location & that is
has two lateral aperatures
Choroid plexus
• produces CSF
• can be found in ALL of the ventricles
• most is found in the lateral ventricles
Pineal body
Infundibulum
(Pituitary stalk)
• Note the relationship to the optic chiasm
Optic chiasm
(medial view)
Optic chiasm
(ventral view)
Optic tract
Neuroscience
Diencephalon & Brain Stem
Hypothalamus
Mammilary Bodies
(medial view)
• Mammilary bodies are technically nuclei of the
hypothalamus
• have specific functional significance as part of
the limbic system
Mammilary Bodies
(ventral view)
Thalamus
• note: the thalami “touch” at the midline
(but
are not functionally interconnected)
• this point of contact is called the “massa intermedia” and it
accounts for the ring-shape of the third ventricle
Midbrain
• note: the tectum and tegmentum are labeled
separately (not important for now)
Cerebral peduncles
(ventral view)
• part of the midbrain
• are the big “columns” of white matter pathways
that support the cerebral hemispheres
Cerebral peduncles
(anterolateral view)
Corpora quadrigemina
(medial view)
• (includes superior and inferior colliculi)
Corpora quadrigemina
(close-up)
Pons
(ventral view)
Pons
(medial view)
Medulla
Pyramids
(ventral view)
• part of the medulla
Pyramids
(anterolateral view)
Inferior Olive
(ventral view)
• part of the medulla
Inferior Olive
(anterolateral view)
Neuroscience
Coronal Sections (9)
Slices 1-9
Structures you are responsible for knowing in coronal sections:
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Corpus Callosum
Cingulate gyrus
Lateral ventricles
3rd Ventricle
4th Ventricle
Septum Pellucidum
Caudate nucleus (head, body, and tail)
Putamen
Nucleus accumbens
Globus pallidus
Thalamus
Hippocampal formation
Fornix
Anterior commissure
Claustrum
External capsule
Extreme Capsule
Insular cortex
Cingulate gyrus
Amygdala
Slice 1 - unlabeled
•
•
•
In this slice, we catch the anteriormost portion of the
corpus callosum (the genu).
We just see the lateral ventricles, and note to the right
we have just clipped the head of the caudate on the right
side (a small spot of grey next to the lateral ventricle).
We also see the tips of the temporal lobes (i.e., the
temporal poles). Many of the structures on our list are not
yet visible, however.
Slice 1 - outlined
•
•
•
In this slice, we catch the anteriormost portion of the
corpus callosum (the genu).
We just see the lateral ventricles, and note to the right
we have just clipped the head of the caudate on the right
side (a small spot of grey next to the lateral ventricle).
We also see the tips of the temporal lobes (i.e., the
temporal poles). Many of the structures on our list are not
yet visible, however.
Slice 1 - labeled
•
•
•
In this slice, we catch the anteriormost portion of the
corpus callosum (the genu).
We just see the lateral ventricles, and note to the right
we have just clipped the head of the caudate on the right
side (a small spot of grey next to the lateral ventricle).
We also see the tips of the temporal lobes (i.e., the
temporal poles). Many of the structures on our list are not
yet visible, however.
Slice 2 - unlabeled
•
•
•
•
In this slice, we are cutting the anterior aspect of the basal ganglia where the
caudate and putamen are beginning to separate into distinct structures.
Note the faint beginnings of what will become the internal capsule (anterior
limb) between them. The body of the corpus callosum is still visible.
Below it we see the septum pellucidum, which is the thin membrane separating the
lateral ventricles.
Also note above it the cingulate gyrus, which we’ve seen on a midsaggital view.
Slice 2 - outlined
•
•
•
•
In this slice, we are cutting the anterior aspect of the basal ganglia where the caudate
and putamen are beginning to separate into distinct structures.
Note the faint beginnings of what will become the internal capsule (anterior limb) between
them. The body of the corpus callosum is still visible.
Below it we see the septum pellucidum, which is the thin membrane separating the lateral
ventricles.
Also note above it the cingulate gyrus, which we’ve seen on a midsaggital view.
Slice 2 - labeled
•
•
•
•
In this slice, we are cutting the anterior aspect of the basal ganglia where the
caudate and putamen are beginning to separate into distinct structures.
Note the faint beginnings of what will become the internal capsule (anterior
limb) between them. The body of the corpus callosum is still visible.
Below it we see the septum pellucidum, which is the thin membrane separating the
lateral ventricles.
Also note above it the cingulate gyrus, which we’ve seen on a midsaggital view.
Slice 3 - unlabeled
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Here we see further differentiation of the caudate and putamen, with a more pronounced
internal capsule (anterior limb) visible. Note that at the inferior aspect of where they
connect is the nucleus accumbens.
You also see the beginning of a couple of new structures that are helpful to learn with the
basal ganglia (morphologically, not necessarily functionally).
Lateral to the putamen is a thin white matter pathway called the external capsule.
Lateral to that is a thin strip of grey called the claustrum.
Lateral to the claustrum is the extreme capsule.
The claustrum is labeled in this atlas, although the external and extreme capsule are not.
You will see these structures in successive slices along the length of the basal ganglia.
We have also clipped the optic chiasm, just a bit of the hypothalamus, and third ventricle.
We are well into the temporal pole, but have not yet reached the amydala (which should be the
first major temporal lobe structure we encounter as we keep moving posteriorly).
Slice 3 - outlined
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Here we see further differentiation of the caudate and putamen, with a more pronounced
internal capsule (anterior limb) visible. Note that at the inferior aspect of where they
connect is the nucleus accumbens.
You also see the beginning of a couple of new structures that are helpful to learn with the
basal ganglia (morphologically, not necessarily functionally).
Lateral to the putamen is a thin white matter pathway called the external capsule.
Lateral to that is a thin strip of grey called the claustrum.
Lateral to the claustrum is the extreme capsule.
The claustrum is labeled in this atlas, although the external and extreme capsule are not.
You will see these structures in successive slices along the length of the basal ganglia.
We have also clipped the optic chiasm, just a bit of the hypothalamus, and third ventricle.
We are well into the temporal pole, but have not yet reached the amydala (which should be the
first major temporal lobe structure we encounter as we keep moving posteriorly).
Slice 3 - labeled
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Here we see further differentiation of the caudate and putamen, with a more pronounced
internal capsule (anterior limb) visible. Note that at the inferior aspect of where they
connect is the nucleus accumbens.
You also see the beginning of a couple of new structures that are helpful to learn with the
basal ganglia (morphologically, not necessarily functionally).
Lateral to the putamen is a thin white matter pathway called the external capsule.
Lateral to that is a thin strip of grey called the claustrum.
Lateral to the claustrum is the extreme capsule.
The claustrum is labeled in this atlas, although the external and extreme capsule are not.
You will see these structures in successive slices along the length of the basal ganglia.
We have also clipped the optic chiasm, just a bit of the hypothalamus, and third ventricle.
We are well into the temporal pole, but have not yet reached the amydala (which should be the
first major temporal lobe structure we encounter as we keep moving posteriorly).
Slice 4 - unlabeled
• Here we see the caudate and putamen fully separated, with the
globus pallidus visible medial to the putamen.
• We have cut the anterior commisure such that it is clearly
visible, as are the columns of the fornix (which come right
down to the anterior commissure).
• We are approaching the anterior end of the temporal horn of the
lateral ventricles, so the amygdala is visible.
Slice 4 - outlined
•
•
•
Here we see the caudate and putamen fully separated, with
the globus pallidus visible medial to the putamen.
We have cut the anterior commisure such that it is clearly
visible, as are the columns of the fornix (which come right
down to the anterior commissure).
We are approaching the anterior end of the temporal horn of
the lateral ventricles, so the amygdala is visible.
Slice 4 - labeled
• Here we see the caudate and putamen fully separated, with the
globus pallidus visible medial to the putamen.
• We have cut the anterior commisure such that it is clearly
visible, as are the columns of the fornix (which come right
down to the anterior commissure).
• We are approaching the anterior end of the temporal horn of the
lateral ventricles, so the amygdala is visible.
Slice 5 - unlabeled
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•
•
•
Here we still see the various parts of the basal ganglia clearly.
We can still see hypothalamus, and are not posterior enough to see the
thalamus just yet.
The amygdala is still visible.
The interesting thing in this slice is that we are just posterior to
the anterior commissure, so you can see the columns of the fornix
where they are arcing down to the anterior commissure (at lower part
of the septum pellucidum).
Slice 5 - outlined
•
•
•
•
Here we still see the various parts of the basal ganglia clearly.
We can still see hypothalamus, and are not posterior enough to see the
thalamus just yet.
The amygdala is still visible.
The interesting thing in this slice is that we are just posterior to
the anterior commissure, so you can see the columns of the fornix
where they are arcing down to the anterior commissure (at lower part
of the septum pellucidum).
Slice 5 - labeled
•
•
•
•
Here we still see the various parts of the basal ganglia clearly.
We can still see hypothalamus, and are not posterior enough to see the
thalamus just yet.
The amygdala is still visible.
The interesting thing in this slice is that we are just posterior to
the anterior commissure, so you can see the columns of the fornix
where they are arcing down to the anterior commissure (at lower part
of the septum pellucidum).
Slice 6 - unlabeled
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•
•
•
In this slice, we have cut perfectly through the intraventricular
foramen of Monroe, so you have a perfect view of the lateral
ventricles emptying into the third ventricle.
It’s a bit difficult to find, but we have clipped just a bit of the
anterior thalamus.
This lets us know that we are probably in the area of the genu of the
internal capsule and will soon be transitioning into the posterior
limb.
Note that part of the amygdala is still visible, although we are
starting to open the temporal horn of the lateral ventricles.
Slice 6 - outlined
•
•
•
•
In this slice, we have cut perfectly through the intraventricular
foramen of Monroe, so you have a perfect view of the lateral
ventricles emptying into the third ventricle.
It’s a bit difficult to find, but we have clipped just a bit of the
anterior thalamus.
This lets us know that we are probably in the area of the genu of the
internal capsule and will soon be transitioning into the posterior
limb.
Note that part of the amygdala is still visible, although we are
starting to open the temporal horn of the lateral ventricles.
Slice 6 - labeled
•
•
•
•
In this slice, we have cut perfectly through the intraventricular
foramen of Monroe, so you have a perfect view of the lateral
ventricles emptying into the third ventricle.
It’s a bit difficult to find, but we have clipped just a bit of the
anterior thalamus.
This lets us know that we are probably in the area of the genu of the
internal capsule and will soon be transitioning into the posterior
limb.
Note that part of the amygdala is still visible, although we are
starting to open the temporal horn of the lateral ventricles.
Slice 7 - unlabeled
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•
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•
Now we start to see some significant changes as new structures are visible.
We have a good view of the thalamus.
The caudate, putamen, and globus pallidus are still visible, although they are
not so prominent.
The temporal horns of the lateral ventricles are clearly visible, as is the
hippocampus. The hippocampus here actually looks a bit like a seahorse
(especially on the left), which is where the name comes from. It often looks more
like an indistinct jelly roll.
Down to the bottom right, we have clipped part of the cerebral peduncle.
You can see the descending and ascending white matter pathways fairly clearly.
Slice 7 - outlined
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•
•
•
•
•
Now we start to see some significant changes as new structures are visible.
We have a good view of the thalamus.
The caudate, putamen, and globus pallidus are still visible, although they are
not so prominent.
The temporal horns of the lateral ventricles are clearly visible, as is the
hippocampus. The hippocampus here actually looks a bit like a seahorse
(especially on the left), which is where the name comes from. It often looks more
like an indistinct jelly roll.
Down to the bottom right, we have clipped part of the cerebral peduncle.
You can see the descending and ascending white matter pathways fairly clearly.
Slice 7 - labeled
•
•
•
•
•
•
Now we start to see some significant changes as new structures are visible.
We have a good view of the thalamus.
The caudate, putamen, and globus pallidus are still visible, although they are
not so prominent.
The temporal horns of the lateral ventricles are clearly visible, as is the
hippocampus. The hippocampus here actually looks a bit like a seahorse
(especially on the left), which is where the name comes from. It often looks more
like an indistinct jelly roll.
Down to the bottom right, we have clipped part of the cerebral peduncle.
You can see the descending and ascending white matter pathways fairly clearly.
Slice 8 - unlabeled
• This slice offers another great view of the ascending
and descending white matter pathways passing through
the cerebral peduncle and pons.
Slice 8 - outlined
• This slice offers another great view of the
ascending and descending white matter pathways
passing through the cerebral peduncle and pons.
Slice 8 - labeled
• This slice offers another great view of the ascending
and descending white matter pathways passing through
the cerebral peduncle and pons.
Slice 9 - unlabeled
• This slice is much more posterior.
• Basal ganglia, thalamus, etc are no longer visible.
• However, you can see the posteriormost aspect of the
hippocampus, including the fornix on each side moving
to the midline.
• Note also that we can see the 4th ventricle.
Slice 9 - outlined
• This slice is much more posterior.
• Basal ganglia, thalamus, etc are no longer visible.
• However, you can see the posteriormost aspect of the
hippocampus, including the fornix on each side moving
to the midline.
• Note also that we can see the 4th ventricle.
Slice 9 - labeled
• This slice is much more posterior.
• Basal ganglia, thalamus, etc are no longer visible.
• However, you can see the posteriormost aspect of the
hippocampus, including the fornix on each side moving
to the midline.
• Note also that we can see the 4th ventricle.
Neuroscience
Horizontal Sections (6)
Slices 1-6
Structures you are responsible for knowing
in horizontal sections:
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Corpus callosum
Lateral Ventricles
3rd ventricle
Caudate nucleus
Putamen
Nucleus accumbens
Globus pallidus
Thalamus
Internal capsule (anterior limb, genu, posterior limb)
Claustrum
External capsule (Not labeled directly, thin white band
between putamen and claustrum)
Extreme capsule (Not labeled directy, thin white band
between claustrum and insular cortex)
Insular cortex
Slice 1 - unlabeled
• Beginning from the superior aspect of the brain, this
first slice open the lateral ventricles.
• If you look down into the ventricles, you can see the
thalamus from above.
• At the anterior end of the ventricles, you can find a
very thin slice of the head of the caudate.
Slice 1 - outlined
• Beginning from the superior aspect of the brain, this
first slice open the lateral ventricles.
• If you look down into the ventricles, you can see the
thalamus from above.
• At the anterior end of the ventricles, you can find a
very thin slice of the head of the caudate.
Slice 1 - labeled
• Beginning from the superior aspect of the brain, this first
slice open the lateral ventricles.
• If you look down into the ventricles, you can see the thalamus
from above.
• At the anterior end of the ventricles, you can find a very thin
slice of the head of the caudate.
Slice 2 - unlabeled
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•
•
•
As we move downward a bit, you clearly see the thalamus (posterior) and caudate
(anterior).
We are still too high to see much of the putamen, although we see the upper edge
of it on the right.
We also see a thin little strip of the claustrum. The external and extreme
capsules are visible on either side of the claustrum (just like the coronal
sections), although they are not labeled here in the atlas.
Note the fornix arcing upward, inward, and forward.
Slice 2 - outlined
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•
•
•
As we move downward a bit, you clearly see the thalamus (posterior) and caudate
(anterior).
We are still too high to see much of the putamen, although we see the upper edge
of it on the right.
We also see a thin little strip of the claustrum. The external and extreme
capsules are visible on either side of the claustrum (just like the coronal
sections), although they are not labeled here in the atlas.
Note the fornix arcing upward, inward, and forward.
Slice 2 - labeled
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•
•
•
As we move downward a bit, you clearly see the thalamus (posterior) and caudate
(anterior).
We are still too high to see much of the putamen, although we see the upper edge
of it on the right.
We also see a thin little strip of the claustrum. The external and extreme
capsules are visible on either side of the claustrum (just like the coronal
sections), although they are not labeled here in the atlas.
Note the fornix arcing upward, inward, and forward.
Slice 3 - unlabeled
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•
•
•
•
Here we again see the thalamus and caudate clearly.
The putamen is also visible on each side, offering some definition to
the internal capsule (anterior limb, genu, and posterior limb).
The globus pallidus is still not yet visible, because it is smaller
than the putamen. Note on the right (posterior aspect of the
ventricle) that we see the hippocampal formation.
It looks similar to what we saw in coronal sections.
Remember, this is possible because it essentially curves upward along
the temporal lobe (from anterior to posterior).
Slice 3 - outlined
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•
•
•
•
Here we again see the thalamus and caudate clearly.
The putamen is also visible on each side, offering some definition to
the internal capsule (anterior limb, genu, and posterior limb).
The globus pallidus is still not yet visible, because it is smaller
than the putamen. Note on the right (posterior aspect of the
ventricle) that we see the hippocampal formation.
It looks similar to what we saw in coronal sections.
Remember, this is possible because it essentially curves upward along
the temporal lobe (from anterior to posterior).
Slice 3 - labeled
•
•
•
•
•
Here we again see the thalamus and caudate clearly.
The putamen is also visible on each side, offering some definition to
the internal capsule (anterior limb, genu, and posterior limb).
The globus pallidus is still not yet visible, because it is smaller
than the putamen. Note on the right (posterior aspect of the
ventricle) that we see the hippocampal formation.
It looks similar to what we saw in coronal sections.
Remember, this is possible because it essentially curves upward along
the temporal lobe (from anterior to posterior).
Slice 4 - unlabeled
• This section is probably the classic horizontal
section in terms of showing the basal ganglia,
thalamus, and internal capsule.
• Note that you can still see the hippocampal
formation.
Slice 4 - outlined
• This section is probably the classic horizontal
section in terms of showing the basal ganglia,
thalamus, and internal capsule.
• Note that you can still see the hippocampal
formation.
Slice 4 - labeled
• This section is probably the classic horizontal
section in terms of showing the basal ganglia,
thalamus, and internal capsule.
• Note that you can still see the hippocampal
formation.
Slice 5 - unlabeled
• This is the level of the anterior commissure.
• Note that the caudate and putamen are once again seen
close to where they join, so just a bit further down
we should find the nucleus accumbens (but not yet in
this slice).
Slice 5 - outlined
• This is the level of the anterior commissure.
• Note that the caudate and putamen are once again seen
close to where they join, so just a bit further down
we should find the nucleus accumbens (but not yet in
this slice).
Slice 5 - labeled
• This is the level of the anterior commissure.
• Note that the caudate and putamen are once again seen
close to where they join, so just a bit further down
we should find the nucleus accumbens (but not yet in
this slice).
Slice 6 - unlabeled
• Finally, the caudate and putamen look
very similar to the more anterior
coronal slices(last slide).
• This is where the nucleus accumbens can
be located.
Slice 6 - outlined
• Finally, the caudate and putamen look
very similar to the more anterior
coronal slices(last slide).
• This is where the nucleus accumbens can
be located.
Slice 6 - labeled
• Finally, the caudate and putamen look
very similar to the more anterior
coronal slices(last slide).
• This is where the nucleus accumbens can
be located.
Slice 6 - extra slide
• Finally, the caudate and putamen look very
similar to the more anterior coronal slices.
• This is where the nucleus accumbens can be
located.