Brain model showing arteries, veins and the internal skull base. The brain can be taken out and divided into 8

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



These 3 structures are clearly separated via different color tones, and the difference between gray and white matter can be clearly seen on this 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 you can see its 3 parts (the midbrain, the pons and the medulla oblongata) as well as the apparent origin of the cranial nerves (also called the cranial nerves)


Other structures such as the brain stem, fornix, ventricular system and the first 2 cranial nerves (the olfactory and optic nerves) are also seen, which do not originate from the brainstem


The pictures on the left show how the model can be separated into 8 parts. This makes it possible to study the internal structures of the brain, and several of these are seen in 3 dimensions.





Arterial vascular supply of the brain



The two paired arteries that supply the brain with blood are called the internal carotid artery and the vertebral artery. Both pairs are illustrated partly in the inner skull base and partly on the brain model.



A. carotid interna (the carotid system): It has an S-shaped course, which is called the carotid siphon and is very clearly visible. In addition, the medial cerebral artery and the anterior cerebral artery are seen, which are the two main branches that the internal carotid artery divides into.



A. vertebralis (basilaris system): It joins the opposite vertebral artery to form a. basilaris (on the front of the pons/pons). This is seen very clearly, just as you see other smaller ramifications.



NB: As the brain model can both be taken out of the brain case and separated into 8 parts, the manufacturer has chosen to show some of the arteries separated/disconnected. It has the following meaning:



A. carotis interna: A. cerebri media and anterior are not shown in their uninterrupted course to the lateral part of the brain's surface and the medial part of the hemisphere, respectively, so that you can follow them "all the way" with the index finger. However, it must be emphasized that numerous arteries corresponding to their branches are seen in these regions. The carotid system is illustrated on the brain model, and in the inner skull base the course of the internal carotid artery is seen through the carotid canal.



A. vertebralis: As something special, a collateral vessel mouth is formed in the human brain, because smaller arteries from the basilar system are anastomosed (connected) with smaller arteries from the carotid system. This connection is clearly seen in the inner skull base. Furthermore, the entrance of the vertebral artery via the foramen magnum is seen.





Venous sinus of the brain



The model illustrates many of the brain's venous sinuses, but not all. They are only illustrated in the model's inner skull base, and therefore the large superior and inferior sagittal sinuses are not seen (however, quite a bit of the former is seen because the model illustrates the meeting point called the confluens sinuum). With really good will, you can guess how the system ends in the internal jugular vein via the jugular foramen.





Holes and canals in the inner skull base



This model offers both the possibility to see the apparent origin of the cranial nerves from the brainstem as well as the location of these nerves in their respective holes in the inner skull base. At the base of the skull, they each appear as a whitish, slightly elevated and angular mass, which is supposed to symbolize that the nerve has been "cut". You can only see them when the entire brain model has been removed. Cranial nerves II-XII (2-12) and details such as n. ophthalmicus, n. maxillaris and n. mandibularis can be seen in the base of the skull.





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 forward "towards 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 is ideal for understanding apoplexy (stroke).

Although the 3 meninges are not visible, the model can also be used to understand epi- and subdural haemorrhages.



The model can also be used to understand many other lesions and disorders such as epilepsy, brain tumors, lesions involving cranial nerves and sclerosis (multiple sclerosis).



Since the face can also be seen on the model, it must be the creativity of the buyer/user that sets the limits to its potential applications.