The brain is elongate and consists of forebrain
(telencephalon and diencephalon) and brain stem (midbrain and hindbrain). The
most significant difference to mammals and birds is the presence of the dorsal
ventricular ridge in the telencephalon. The auditory portion of the midbrain
appears better developed than would be expected. The tangential vestibular
nucleus is well developed. The optic lobes of the midbrain receive primary input
from the eye and secondarily from olfactory and auditory centres. The medulla of
the hindbrain is better developed than that of lizards and partially encloses
the large fourth ventricle. There is no true subarachnoid space in reptiles,
which is an important consideration if attempting to collect cerebrospinal
fluid.
(telencephalon and diencephalon) and brain stem (midbrain and hindbrain). The
most significant difference to mammals and birds is the presence of the dorsal
ventricular ridge in the telencephalon. The auditory portion of the midbrain
appears better developed than would be expected. The tangential vestibular
nucleus is well developed. The optic lobes of the midbrain receive primary input
from the eye and secondarily from olfactory and auditory centres. The medulla of
the hindbrain is better developed than that of lizards and partially encloses
the large fourth ventricle. There is no true subarachnoid space in reptiles,
which is an important consideration if attempting to collect cerebrospinal
fluid.