This page shows which subdivisions of the brain comprise the different structures
and areas of the brain. The information is presented in the chart, which has been
colour coded to match (as close as I could manage!) the colours representing the
subdivisions of the brain in the diagrams of neural
tube development just seen. The gradient effect seen with "4th
ventricle" indicates that it is a part of both the subdivisions. The differentiation
of the four initial areas of the neural tube proceeds from left to right across
the chart. The cavities listed in the right hand column show what remains of the
neurocoele in the fully developed animal.
| Subdivisions and Associated Structures of the Neural Tube |
| Primary Divisions |
Subdivisions |
Constituent Parts |
Cavities |
| Prosencephalon |
Telencephalon |
| - |
Olfactory lobes |
| - |
Cerebral hemispheres |
|
| - |
Lateral ventricles
|
| - |
Rostral portion of the 3rd ventricle |
|
| Diencephalon |
| - |
Epithalamus (epiphysis) |
| - |
Thalamus |
| - |
Hypothalamus |
| - |
Infundibulum |
|
| - |
Most of the 3rd ventricle
|
|
| Mesencephalon |
Mesencephalon |
| - |
Optic lobes (fish, reptiles, birds) |
| - |
Colliculi/Corpora quadrigemini (mammals) |
| - |
Cerebral peduncle |
|
|
| Rhombencephalon |
Metencephalon |
| - |
Cerebellum |
| - |
Pons (mammals) |
|
|
| Myelencephalon |
|
| Spinal cord |
Spinal cord |
|
|
Special thanks to Hans Christoffersen for the
preparation of this page.
Send comments to:
Sandra K. Ackerley (),
Department of Zoology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario,
Canada N1G 2W1.
