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Exploration of the brain from its basal aspect

Mammillothalamic tract; medial forebrain bundle; substantia nigra

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Image #6-7
Bassett Image
Diagram Image
Legend Image
Exploration of the brain from its basal aspect
Mammillothalamic tract; medial forebrain bundle; substantia nigra
The major part of the thalamus has been removed and the lateral hypothalamic area exposed. The cerebral peduncle is further cut back in order to expose the substantia nigra. Lateral to the mammillary body a bundle of delicate fibers is seen as it courses longitudinally. These fibers constitute the medial forebrain bundle which arises in basal olfactory structures such as the anterior perforated substance and passes through the hypothalamic region into the tegmentum of the mesencephalon.
  1. Anterior perforated substance
  2. Mamillothalamic tract (Vicq d'Azyr)
  3. Medial forebrain bundle
  4. Thalamus (dissected)
  5. Mamillary body
  6. Substantia nigra (cut across)
  7. Cerebral peduncle (cut across)
  8. Superior cerebellar artery
  9. Optic chiasm
  10. Infundibulum
  11. Tuber cinereum
  12. Optic tract
  13. Oculomotor nerve (III)
  14. Cerebral peduncle
  15. Interpeduncular fossa
  16. Basilar artery
  17. Pons