The Functions and Structure of the Brain

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Science of the Brain: How the Mind Works

It may seem like the Internet has an overwhelming number of links but it’s really quite simple compared to the human brain, which has roughly 1,000 trillion connections—about the same as the number of leaves on all the trees in a rainforest. Nevertheless, trying to navigate the Web in search of precisely what you’re looking for can make you feel like you’re lost in the forest. There are countless sites on brain structure, brain function, and brain fitness. You’ll see brain images of every type as well as photos of actual human and animal brains from every angle and perspective. There are plenty of teaching tools including games, experiments, labs, and lesson plans. You’ll even find a host of blogs about the brain. Using this guide to brain science on the Web can give you a “head” start.

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The Brain and Neuroscience Basics

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The Functions and Structure of the Brain

There is such a wealth of information on the Internet on the topics of neuroanatomy (brain structures) and brain functions that typing any of these terms into a search engine will generate tens of thousands of hits. This section can help streamline your search, highlighting some of the best sites across the spectrum.

Dulcinea's Insight

Some sites use a lot of brain images to explain concepts; others use primarily text. To start, you might want to click around a bit to see which dominates. Most people will learn better from information presented one way or the other (depending on whether their left or right brain hemisphere is dominant).

When researching sites other than those recommended here, it’s a good idea to look for a copyright date at the bottom of the page. New brain research findings are revealed at such a rapid rate that it’s important that the site is fairly current and, even better, if it’s frequently updated.

If you’re prone to getting queasy, be prepared: many of the brain images you’ll see are photographs of preserved human (and other animal) brains.

Dulcinea's Picks

To learn about brain structures and their functions …

BrainSource’s “The Amazing Brain” focuses on the relationship between brain structure and function, a field of science known as functional neuroanatomy. Scroll down to find a number of downloadable PDF maps showing the major divisions and pathways of the brain. Also take a look at the “Web Resources” section for links to other sites that provide tutorials, images, and diagrams for learning about neuroanatomy.

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The Neuroscience Tutorial was created by the Washington University School of Medicine for first-year medical students. Find the functions, connections, and various disorders related to each part of the brain, with numerous accompanying images and diagrams.

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The Centre for Neuro Skills has this page on the structure of the brain. Scroll down for a clickable “Brain Map” that focuses on the effects of damage to various parts of the brain. You’ll get insight into not only the physiological functions but also the behavioral functions of healthy and damaged brain areas.

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To view images of the brain …

BrainMaps.org is the place to go to view countless detailed images of the brain—more than 6,000 images from 15 different species, including humans. Get started by using the site’s “Navigation Guide” for tips on zooming and explanations of image labels. Or jump right in by browsing the list of species on the left.

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The Digital Anatomist , created by the University of Washington, is a top-notch site for delving into the anatomy of the brain. Take a look at the “Brain Atlas” for detailed 3-D images, dissections, and animations of all brain sections, and don’t miss the Neuroanatomy Interactive Syllabus
for additional images with instructional captions.

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Serendip , a site founded by Bryn Mawr College, allows you to slice your way through photographs of actual human, monkey, cat, rat, and frog brains. All images are accompanied by explanations that students and nonscientists can understand.

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Medical Science 532 , a course presented by the University of Idaho, features four photographs that illustrate 27 critical structures of the human brain. Click on a photo for a breakdown of specific structures within that section of the brain. Choose a structure to get more detailed photos and a brief introduction to functions.

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Comparative Mammalian Brain Collections , a cooperative effort between the University of Wisconsin, Michigan State University, and the National Museum of Health and Medicine, presents images from one of the world's largest collections of well-preserved brains from over 175 species. Find graphics, photographs, and images of stained sections of the brain as well as additional information about brain evolution, development, circuitry, and function.

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