Brain model from SOMSO Modelle which can be separated into 6 parts

Anatomically, the model shows the human brain, which can generally be divided into the cerebrum (cerebrum), the cerebellum (cerebellum) and the brain stem (truncus encephali).

On the model, all 3 parts of the brain are visible, however the difference between gray and white matter is not marked on the model.



In the cerebrum (telencephalon and diencephalon), the lobes of the brain, as well as the thalamus and hypothalamus (and the pituitary gland) are primarily seen


In the cerebellum, the vermis cerebelli and the cerebellar hemispheres (hemisperium cerebelli) are seen


In the brainstem, its 3 parts are seen (the midbrain, the pons and the medulla oblongata)


The pictures on the left show how the model can be separated into 6 parts. The falx cerebrum (part of the dura mater) can be removed and the brain can be separated into two cerebral halves. The left hemisphere can be further separated, as the cerebrum can be separated into 2 separate parts, the temporal lobe with the cerebellum can be removed, and the brainstem (truncus encephalicus) can also be removed.



Additional structures include parts of the ventricular system, the corpus callosum and the fornix. Meninges with blood supply are also seen on the right hemisphere.



The limbic system



Many of our customers ask about the limbic system in connection with the purchase of brain models. Hence this description.



The limbic system includes various anatomical structures in the central nervous system (CNS), and is primarily responsible for emotional functions such as anxiety, aggressiveness, mood, memory and social adaptability. Clinically, it is therefore often related to psychiatric disorders.



The limbic system includes, among other things amygdala, hippocampus, gyrus parahippocampalis, hypothalamus, fornix, corpus mammillare, the prefrontal cerebral cortex and the monoaminergic systems of the brainstem. The list is quite a bit longer - especially because numerous fiber connections connect the limbic structures. Many customers ask in particular about the amygdala and hippocampus (which is why they are mentioned first in this section).



NB: In this brain model, the hippocampus can be seen as well as some of the other limbic structures such as the fornix - but not the amygdala.



The amygdala is involved in anxiety and emotional coloring of sensory impressions. It lies as an almond-shaped nucleus IN FRONT of the hippocampus in the anterior pole of the temporal lobe (amygdala and hippocampus are therefore separate).



The hippocampus is involved in memory. It lies as an irregular twisted structure in the medial part of the temporal lobe.



Along with the amygdala, the hippocampus lies IN FRONT of the hippocampus (roughly speaking further "toward the forehead"), both of these structures can only be seen on a brain model if the model includes at least 2 frontal/coronal sections through the temporal lobe - or if the brain model is partially transparent (frontal/coronal cut roughly corresponds to the cut direction "from ear to ear").



We have not yet seen a brain model that shows 2 cuts through the temporal lobe, so that both the amygdala and the hippocampus are seen. In our range, on the other hand, we have a partially see-through brain model in the highest price range, which shows both structures.



All brain models in our range can be separated into different parts. All models (both with and without educational colors) that can be separated into 4 or more parts show the hippocampus. On almost all of these models, the hippocampus is also numbered and named on an overview that can be downloaded from the product descriptions of the brain models. This also applies to this brain model.

Clinically, the model can be used to understand lesions and disorders in specific areas of the brain. Examples are epilepsy, brain tumors, hydrocephalus, and sclerosis (multiple sclerosis). The model can also be used to understand apoplexy (stroke).