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INTRODUCTION

In this chapter, we will review neuroanatomical facts that are most likely to show up on the neurology clerkship exam and that you are most likely to be asked about on the wards. In neurology, more than any other disease, structure-function relationships are critical to understanding disease. By keeping a few basic neuroanatomical rules in mind, you can figure out localization quickly and accurately.

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Consists of the brain and the spinal cord, enclosed within the meninges.

Cerebrum

The cerebral hemispheres contain areas that have specialized functions (Fig. 3-1). Injury or damage to these areas can result in specific symptoms (Table 3-1).

  • Frontal Lobe—extends from the frontal pole to the central sulcus and the lateral fissure

  • Parietal Lobe—extends from the central sulcus to the parieto-occipital fissure

  • Occipital Lobe—the exterior pole

  • Temporal Lobe—below the lateral cerebral fissure and extends back to the level of the parieto-occipital fissure on the medial surface of each hemisphere

FIGURE 3-1.

Key structures of the cerebral hemispheres. Reproduced with permission from Waxman SG. Clinical Neuroanatomy, 29th ed. McGraw-Hill, 2020.

TABLE 3-1.Common Brain Lesions Cause Consistent Symptoms

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