Table 9 Trimming and sampling of midbrain and hindbrain (Block C)

TS-2′

21 min

Lateral view of the midbrain

Transverse line through the intercollicular area (small brains) or caudal colliculi (large brains)

2D knife axis: ventrodorsal.

Standard section of the midbrain

Easy

Plane: transverse.

Blade movement: laterolateral.

TS-6

22 min

Dorsal view of the cerebellum

6: Transverse line just caudal to the primary fissure.

2D knife axis: laterolateral.

Standard cross section of cerebellum and medulla oblongata.

Easy

6′:..followed by a parallel section with 3 mm slice thickness

Plane: transverse.

Shows central vermis, hemispheres, paraflocculus, flocculonodular lobe, cerebellar roof, caudal/middle peduncles and medulla oblongata.

Blade movement: dorsoventral along the midline axis of cerebellar hemispheres.

TS-7

24 min

Caudodorsal view of the medullary stump

Transverse line close to the obex

2D knife axis: laterolateral.

Standard section of the lower brainstem.

Easy

Plane: transverse.

Shows spinal tracts, vagal and associated nuclei, proprioceptive nuclei.

Blade movement: dorsoventral.

SAG-2M

25 min

Caudal view of cerebellum and medulla

Sagittal midline section through caudal cerebellar vermis and underlying medulla.

2D knife axis: ventrodorsal.

Standard section of cerebellar caudal lobe and in particular useful in suspected foramen magnum herniation.

Easy

Plane: sagittal, midline.

Blade movement: caudorostral.

Shows caudal vermis and midline medulla.

SAG-2′L/R & SAG-2″L/R

27 min

Caudal view of cerebellum and medulla

2´L/R: Sagittal lines, lateral und parallel to SAG-2M on each side.

2D knife axis: ventrodorsal.

Standard sections for evaluation of caudal cerebellar hemispheres.

Easy

2″L/R: ..followed by parallel sections 3 mm lateral to 2′L/R.

Plane: sagittal, paramedian.

Shows in particular lobules ansiformis and dorsolateral proprioceptive and vestibular areas of medulla.

Blade movement: rostrocaudal.

SAG-3′L/R & SAG-3″L/R

29 min

Rostral view of the caudal midbrain stump and the rostral cerebellar lobe

3′L/R: Sagittal lines through the lateral boundaries of periaqueductal grey matter, about 1–2 mm lateral to the aqueduct.

2D knife axis: ventrodorsal

Standard sections for evaluation of rostral cerebellar lobe and in particular the effects of transtentorial herniation, as well as of pontomesencephalic transition, including caudal colliculi, leminiscus and lateral tegmental nuclei

Easy

Plane: sagittal, paramedian.

3″L/R: ..followed by parallel sections 3 mm lateral to 3′L/R.

Blade movement: rostrocaudal.