Sheep Brain Dissection: The Anatomy of Memory

Description: Sheep Brain Dissection: The Anatomy of Memory is a photographic guide, that compares the sheep brain with the human brain and explains the different functions of the brain layers. First, the structure and function of the cortex are described. Most of the photographs are followed by explanatory text. The program also describes the three main subdivisions of memory, each of which is processed in a different area of the brain. Short-term memory takes place at the front of the brain, in the prefrontal cortex. Long-term memory of events and experiences is processed deep in the brain, in the hippocampus. Memory of skills is processed in the cerebellum. Dividing the sheep brain in half reveals the leaflike structure of the cerebellum. The cerebellum passes the information on to the basal ganglia, which are responsible for storing the skills memories and refining the coordination and sequence of the movements.

Comments & References: Available online from The Exploratorium, San Francisco, USA at http://www.exploratorium.edu/memory/braindissection

Price: Free of charge

Version: The Exploratorium, 1998