Bassett Collection of Stereoscopic Images of Human Anatomy

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Exploration of the brain from its basal aspect

The posterior perforated substance and oculomotor nerves

Image #4-7

KEYWORDS: Brain, Diencephalon, Medulla, Midbrain, Peripheral nervous system, Pons, Telencephalon, Vasculature, Overview.

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Higher resolution images are available for a fee. Contact Drew Bourn, PhD, MLIS.

Exploration of the brain from its basal aspect

The posterior perforated substance and oculomotor nerves

The posterior cerebral arteries, together with most of the branches which entered the interpeduncular fossa, are divided and retracted toward the medulla. The fossa, particularly its posterior recess, is well exposed. The line along which the filaments of the third nerve leave the brain stem appears on each side of the fossa. Note the "posterior perforated substance," an appearance created by pulling out numerous small arteries from the tegmentum in the depths of the fossa.

1 .	Olfactory tract
2 .	Optic nerve (II)
3 .	Internal carotid artery
4 .	Mamillary body
5 .	Optic tract
6 .	Oculomotor nerve (III)
7 .	Cerebral peduncle
8 .	Posterior cerebral artery (divided)
9 .	Superior cerebellar artery
10 .	Pons
11 .	Orbital branch of anterior cerebral artery
12 .	Infundibulum
13 .	Uncus
14 .	Interpeduncular fossa (the posterior perforated substance forms the surface within the fossa)
15 .	Medial central branch of posterior cerebral artery
16 .	Posterior cerebral artery (cut across and retracted)
17 .	Basilar artery