Dissection Summary

Part 1 - Removal of Calvaria 

• Section the scalp mid-sagittally

• Reflect the soft tissue laterally to fully expose the skull

• With an autopsy (Stryker) saw, complete a circumferential cut around the exposed bone of the calvaria 

  • • Preserve the meninges and brain

Part 2 - Meninges 

• Identify the dura mater covering the brain

• Locate the superior sagittal sinus between the cerebral hemispheres

• On one side, reflect the dura mater toward the midline to locate the superior cerebral vv. 

• Identify arachnoid mater  and pia mater

Part 3 - Gross Brain

• Sever the cranial nerves and vasculature where they enter the basicranium

• Remove the brain

• Identify the parts of the brain: 

  • • • cerebrum

      • cerebellum

      • hypophysis (pituitary gland)

      • midbrain (on plastinated hemisected brain)

      • pons

      • medulla oblongata

• Distinguish between the lobes of the cerebrum, and locate the longitudinal fissure

• On a model or hemisected, plastinated brain, identify the components of the ventricular system

• Focus on the inferior portion of the brain and brainstem

• • • Locate the arteries on the inferior portions of the brain and anterior surface of the brainstem

    • Locate the cranial nerves (or components of the cranial nerves) from their origins on the brain and brainstem

• Locate the dural partitions

• • Locate the dural venous sinuses within the dural partitions

Part 4 - Crainial Nerves (Cranial Base)

• • Locate the cranial nerves in association with the cranial base