.
Module 1
Anatomy & Physiology of the
Brain Latest review
2023|2024
Lesson 1: Introduction to the Brain
The brain is a dense organ with various
functional units. Understanding the anatomy of
the brain can be aided by looking at it from
different organizational layers.
In this lesson, we’ll discuss the principle brain
regions, layers of the brain, and lobes of the
brain, as well as common terms used to orient
neuroanatomical discussions.
2
,SAY: The brain is a dense organ with various functional units. Understanding the anatomy of the
brain can be aided by looking at it from different organizational layers. (Purves 2012/p717/para1)
In this lesson, we’ll explore these organizational layers by discussing the principle brain regions,
layers of the brain, and lobes of the brain. We’ll also discuss the terms used by scientists and
healthcare providers to orient neuroanatomical discussions.
Lesson 1: Learning Objectives
• Define terms used to specify neuroanatomical locations
• Recall the 4 principle regions of the brain
• Identify the 3 layers of the brain and their relative location
• Match each of the 4 lobes of the brain with their respective functions
SAY: Please take a moment to review the learning objectives for this lesson.
, Directional Terms
Used in Anatomy
4
SAY: Specific directional terms are used when specifying the location of a structure or area of the
brain.
Note that the terms anterior, posterior, superior, and inferior refer to the long axis of the body (which
is straight), and doesn’t change. (Purves 2012/p718/Figure A1/caption)
However, the terms dorsal, ventral, rostral, and caudal are relative to the nervous system axis they are
describing,
Which bends at the brainstem? (Purves 2012/p718/Figure A1/caption) Image Reference: (Purves
2012/p718/Figure A1)
,
Module 1
Anatomy & Physiology of the
Brain Latest review
2023|2024
Lesson 1: Introduction to the Brain
The brain is a dense organ with various
functional units. Understanding the anatomy of
the brain can be aided by looking at it from
different organizational layers.
In this lesson, we’ll discuss the principle brain
regions, layers of the brain, and lobes of the
brain, as well as common terms used to orient
neuroanatomical discussions.
2
,SAY: The brain is a dense organ with various functional units. Understanding the anatomy of the
brain can be aided by looking at it from different organizational layers. (Purves 2012/p717/para1)
In this lesson, we’ll explore these organizational layers by discussing the principle brain regions,
layers of the brain, and lobes of the brain. We’ll also discuss the terms used by scientists and
healthcare providers to orient neuroanatomical discussions.
Lesson 1: Learning Objectives
• Define terms used to specify neuroanatomical locations
• Recall the 4 principle regions of the brain
• Identify the 3 layers of the brain and their relative location
• Match each of the 4 lobes of the brain with their respective functions
SAY: Please take a moment to review the learning objectives for this lesson.
, Directional Terms
Used in Anatomy
4
SAY: Specific directional terms are used when specifying the location of a structure or area of the
brain.
Note that the terms anterior, posterior, superior, and inferior refer to the long axis of the body (which
is straight), and doesn’t change. (Purves 2012/p718/Figure A1/caption)
However, the terms dorsal, ventral, rostral, and caudal are relative to the nervous system axis they are
describing,
Which bends at the brainstem? (Purves 2012/p718/Figure A1/caption) Image Reference: (Purves
2012/p718/Figure A1)
,
