Terms for Neonatal brain

Arachnoid

The middle layer of meninges covering the brain and spinal cord.

Atrium (Trigone) of the Lateral Ventricles

This is where the anterior, occipital, and temporal horns join.

Brainstem

Part of the brain connected to the forebrain and the spinal cord. It consists of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

Caudate Nucleus

Consists of a head, body, and tail. It lies next to the lateral wall of the lateral ventricles.

Cavum Septi Pellucidi

A thin triangular hole filled with cerebrospinal fluid that lies between the anterior horns of the lateral ventricles. If it extends posteriorly, it is termed a cavum vergae.

Central Nervous System

The central nervous system consists of the cerebellum, cerebrum, spinal cord, pons (brain stem), and medulla.

Cerebellum

Portion of the brain that lies posterior to the pons and medulla oblongata below the tentorium.

Cerebral Hemispheres

These are paired brain matter separated from the midline by the falx cerebri.

Choroid Plexus

Mass of special cells located in the atrium of the lateral ventricles. They regulate the intraventricular pressure by secreting or absorbing cerebrospinal fluid.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain, which consists of two hemispheres.

Cistern

Enclosed space serving as a reservoir for cerebrospinal fluid.

Corpus Callosum

Large group of nerve fibers visible superior to the third ventricle that connects the left and right sides of the brain.

Ependyma

The membrane lining the cerebral ventricles.

Epidural

Lies outside the dura matter.

Falx Cerebri (interhemispheric fissure)

A fibrous structure separating the two cerebral hemispheres.

Germinal Matrix

Perviventricular tissue including the caudate nucleus. Before 32 weeks gestation, it is fragile and bleeds easily.

Gyri

Convolutions on the surface of the brain caused by infolding of the cortex.

Meninges

The brain coverings.

Parenchyma

Cortex tissue of the brain.

Pia Mater

The innermost of the three membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Subdural

Between the dura mater and the arachnoid.

Subependyma

Area immediately beneath the ependyma. In the caudate nucleus, it is the site of hemorrhage from the germinal matrix.

Subarachnoid

Between the arachnoid and the pia mater.

Sulcus

A groove or depression on the surface of the brain, separating the gyri.

Sylvian Fissure

Lateral cerebri fissure.

Telea Choroidea

Point where the choroid attached to the floor of the lateral ventricles and located behind the foramen of Monro. Most common site of hemorrhage.

Tentorium

V shaped echogenic structure which separates the cerebrum and the cerebellum and is an extension of the falx cerebri.

Thalamus

Two ovoid brain structures situated on either side of the third ventricle superior to the brainstem

Ventricle

A cavity within the brain containing cerebro-spinal fluid.

Vermis Cerebellum

Median part of the cerebellum which lies between the two hemispheres.