3. Functional neuroanatomy and vasculature, part 2
Long ascending and descending pathways The three major longitudinal pathways the corticospinal tract, posterior column-medial lemniscus, and anterolateral system can be followed systematically to and from the cerebral cortex, through brain stem and to and from spinal cord. A key feature of all these pathways is to note the location where their tracts cross to […]
3. Functional neuroanatomy and vasculature, part 1: The brain stem, cerebellum, cerebrum, and spinal cord
Blood supply to the 
Central Nervous System An understanding of the brain’s blood supply is crucial to understanding normal CNS function. Conversely, the consequences of cerebrovascular disease affecting the brainstem and cerebrum leading to a loss of function is also vital. Figure 3.1. Schematic of blood supply to brain stem regions (in transverse section). Simon, […]
2. The meninges and ventricles
The meninges and meningeal spaces Figure 2.1. Meninges and meningeal spaces. By OpenStax, CC BY 4.0. Modified July 9, 2018, by Lampa. The meninges can be subdivided into cranial and spinal portions. The meninges function to protect, to act as a scaffold supporting blood vessels and venous sinuses, and finally to form a continuous sac, […]
Nervous System
Welcome to the Nervous System block of FMS 512! For the 2025–2026 school year, Shannon Brodersen, MD, and Kimberly Honn, PhD, have teamed up to co-direct and redesign the section. We have made changes based on student and faculty feedback from previous years, including beginning the block with a strong foundation of basic science—neuroanatomy including […]