Symmetric Bihemispheric Sectioning of the Human Postmortem Brain

Begin with a human postmortem brain in the ventral position.

Next, cut the brainstem transversely at the upper portion of the pons, close to the cerebrum base.

Inspect the substantia nigra, a midbrain structure, and neighboring structures for any abnormalities.

Dissect the olfactory bulbs along with their tracts.

Now, position the brain dorsally and cut the corpus callosum through the medial longitudinal fissure to separate the hemispheres.

Carefully examine each hemisphere for any anomalies.

Next, position the hemispheres flat with their medial surfaces facing down.

Cut through the cerebral hemispheres from the frontal to occipital poles to obtain thick sections.

Then, arrange the sections in anatomical order with their coronal surfaces facing up for inspection. Look for any abnormalities.

Dissect rectangular tissue blocks from different cerebral regions.

Place these tissue blocks in labeled histocassettes for further analysis.

Facing the base of the brain and using a scalpel, cut the brainstem transversely at the upper portion of the pons as close as possible to the base of the cerebrum. Carefully inspect the substantia nigra for pallor, and inspect other neighboring structures.