The cerebrum or brain proper constitutes the highest and much the
largest portion of the encephalon. The cerebrum consists of two halves,
that are connected with each other by the corpus callosum, and with
the peduncular masses of the cruri cerebri, the processus a cerebello
ad cerebrum; the series of eminences, or cerebral centers or ganglia,
concealed from view, named corpora quadrigemina, optic thalamus and
corpora striata, etc.
The cerebral hemispheres are by far the most bulky part of the
cerebrum. Various commissural structures unite the two hemispheres,
including the corpus callosum and fornix; and some smaller structures,
viz., the pineal gland, the petuitary bodies, and the olfactory bulb.
The cerebral hemispheres together form an ovoid mass, in contact
with the vault of the cranium, and with its smaller end forward,
its greatest width being opposite to the parietal eminences. They
are separated in the greater part of their extent by the great
longitudinal fissure.
The surface of the hemisphere is composed of gray matter, and is molded
into numerous smooth tortuous eminences, named convolutions, or gyri,
which are marked off from one another by deep furrows, called sulci.
The cerebrum is divided into lobes for convenience of study, five in
number, called frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal, sphenoidal,
and central.
The internal structure of the cerebrum is composed of white matter. It
consists of tubular fibers varying in size in various parts, but in
general still smaller than those in the cord, their average diameter
being 1/10000 of an inch. The fibers of white substance present no
division. They are arranged in bundles, separated by a network of
delicate connective tissue, consisting of cells, etc. The cells
are of various forms and sizes--spheroidal, angular, fusiform,
etc. The fibers radiate from the white center of each convolution
in all directions into the gray cortex, having a course for the most
part perpendicular to the free surface. In passing through the gray
substance they are arranged in bundles about 1/1500 of an inch in
diameter, thus separating some of the nerve cells, etc.
The olfactory tract and bulb, the corpora quadrigemina, corpora
genicolate, optic thalamus, corpora striata, are all more or less
mixed. They possess gray matter.
The nerves immediately connected with the brain are of several
kinds. And there are twelve pairs of them. They are called cerebral
nerves.
There are four kinds.
1. Nerves of special sense.
2. Nerves of common sensation.
3. Nerves of motion.
4. Mixed nerves of sensation and motion.
The nerves of special sense may with great propriety be termed the
nerves of observation, perception--the gateways of intelligence
and education.
I.--Nerves of special sense:
1. The olfactory supplies the nose, special sense of smell.
2. The optic supplies the eye, special sense of sight.
3. The auditory supplies the ear, special sense of hearing.
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