The Human Brain: Chapter 5: The Cerebral Hemispheres

5-1: Cerebral hemispheres from above (meninges and blood vessels removed). In this view, the cerebrum conceals other parts of the brain.

The brain is ovoid, broader behind than in front. The longitudinal cerebral fissure is a narrow cleft that normally contains the falx cerebri (made of dura), arachnoid, pia, and cerebral arteries and veins, in particular the anterior cerebral vessels. The superolateral surface of each cerebral hemisphere is markedly convex and fits into the corresponding half of the skull vault. In this specimen, some atrophy of the cortex has resulted in separation of the gyri, so that the convolutions of the cerebral cortex are readily appreciated. There is considerable individual variation in the patterns of gyri, and even the two sides of a brain differ in the arrangement of their convolutions. Interlocking gyri belonging to the right superior frontal gyrus are seen on the right side of the brain. In the central sulcus of the left hemisphere, a short transverse gyrus is seen. Note: This specimen shows considerable atrophy, which enhances demonstration of the sulci.

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