Brain and Central Nervous System

What this page covers

The resources here follow the central nervous system from the top down. You will find material on the cerebrum and its functional areas, the thalamus and hypothalamus, the basal ganglia, the brainstem, the cerebellum and the spinal cord. Other items cover the meninges, the ventricles, cerebrospinal fluid, cranial nerves and the vessels that supply the brain.

Where to start

If you are new to the topic, begin with the mind maps on single structures. The Medulla Oblongata map sets out where the lower brainstem begins and what the pyramids are. The Cerebellum map explains the two hemispheres, the vermis and the cerebellum's role in posture and muscle control. Then move up to the Pons, Midbrain and Cerebrum maps.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a map first, then test yourself. A good order is:

1. Open a mind map on one structure, such as the spinal cord or the thalamus.
2. Take a quiz on the same area, for example Ventricles or The Brainstem.
3. Note the questions you missed and go back to the map branch that covers them.
4. Finish with a flashcard deck, such as Neuroanatomy Practical Quiz, to practice naming structures and layers.

The quiz called cranial cavity is useful once you know the cranial nerves, because it asks which nerves leave through which openings. The Anatomy quiz is a good check on spinal cord tracts and grey matter.

Where this unit sits

This unit belongs to the strand Nervous System and Special Senses within Anatomy. It sits beside the other nervous system topics, and the cranial nerve and eye material here links to it.

Teachers and next steps

Teachers can use the quizzes and decks as ready-made practice for a class. Pick one structure, work through a map and a quiz on it, then move to the next.