In this episode of The Neurosurgery Review, I, Mustafa Farooq, a fourth-year medical student at the Medical College of Georgia and neurosurgery residency applicant, delve into the fascinating world of Brodmann areas—the functional mapping of the cerebral cortex.

We explore the key Brodmann areas, including Area 4 (primary motor cortex), Area 17 (primary visual cortex), Area 22 (Wernicke's area), and others, highlighting their anatomical locations, functional roles, and relevance in neurosurgical practice.

This detailed overview aims to provide a high-yield understanding of these regions, their clinical implications, and their importance in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders.

For questions, comments, or collaborations, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].

In this episode of The Neurosurgery Review, I, Mustafa Farooq, a fourth-year medical student at the Medical College of Georgia and neurosurgery residency applicant, delve into the intricate anatomy of the medial surface of the right cerebral hemisphere.

We explore key structures such as the cingulate gyrus, corpus callosum, paracentral lobule, precuneus, and calcarine fissure, discussing their anatomical relationships and functional significance.

This comprehensive overview aims to enhance understanding of the brain's complex architecture and its implications in neurosurgical practice.

For questions, comments, or collaborations, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].

In this episode of Neurosurgery Review, I, Mustafa Farooq, a fourth-year medical student at the Medical College of Georgia and a neurosurgery applicant in this year’s match cycle, guide you through the intricate surface and internal anatomy of the brain, focusing on its right lateral view and coronal section.

We begin by examining the surface anatomy of the brain’s right lateral view, highlighting key landmarks such as the central sulcus, precentral and postcentral gyri, and lateral sulcus, along with their functional significance. From motor and sensory processing in the precentral and postcentral gyri, to the cognitive and auditory roles of the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes, we uncover the structural and functional interplay that defines the brain’s surface.

Next, we explore the brain's internal structures through the lens of a coronal section. This segment delves into essential components like the corpus callosum, thalamus, basal ganglia, and ventricular system, connecting their anatomical positions to their critical roles in movement, sensory relay, and memory. Highlights include a discussion on the amygdalaand mammillary bodies within the limbic system, as well as the claustrum and its potential role in brain region coordination.

For questions, comments, or collaborations, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].

In this episode of Neurosurgery Review, I, Mustafa Farooq, a fourth-year medical student at the Medical College of Georgia and a neurosurgery applicant in this year’s match cycle, take you through the intricacies of cortical anatomy, exploring the brain’s remarkable complexity and structural organization. Starting with the cerebral cortex, which contains approximately 14 billion neurons, we discuss its developmental origins from the germinal zone and its layered organization into six neocortical layers, each with distinct cells, neurotransmitters, and functions. Highlights include the role of Golgi type II cells in modulating neuronal activity, the significance of stellate and pyramidal cells, and the unique contributions of structures like the external and internal bands of Baillarger. Additionally, we examine the surface anatomy of the brain, from the longitudinal fissure dividing the hemispheres to the functional landmarks of the frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes, such as the central sulcus and precentral gyrus. This episode connects anatomical details with their functional implications, providing an essential guide for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of cortical anatomy.

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Mustafa Farooq, a 4th-year MD student at the Medical College of Georgia and current neurosurgery residency applicant, dives into the high-yield anatomy of spinal cord blood supply. This episode covers the anterior and posterior spinal arteries, radicular arteries, and key vascular territories, emphasizing clinical relevance and exam-focused details. Mustafa explains the centrifugal and centripetal flow patterns, the critical role of the artery of Adamkiewicz, and vulnerable border zones, tying it all together with venous drainage and ischemia risks. Perfect for neurosurgery residents, students, or anyone preparing for boards. For questions or feedback, reach out to Mustafa at [email protected].

In this episode, we dive deep into the essential vascular anatomy relevant to neurosurgery, including the Circle of Willis, the vertebrobasilar system, the venous drainage pathways, and the critical anastomoses that maintain cerebral perfusion. Understanding these networks is crucial for diagnosing and managing vascular pathologies like aneurysms, strokes, and venous sinus thrombosis.

For feedback or questions, feel free to contact me at Mustafa Farooq – [email protected]

In Episode 4 of our neurosurgery podcast, titled "Blood Supply to the Brain, Part 2 - ACA, MCA, PCA, Choroidals,: we continued our deep dive into the vascular anatomy of the brain. We discussed the detailed pathways and key branches of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), and posterior cerebral artery (PCA), focusing on their crucial roles in supplying different regions of the brain. Additionally, we explored the significance of the choroidal arteries, including the anterior choroidal and lateral posterior choroidal arteries, which play essential roles in cerebrospinal fluid production and deep brain perfusion. We also covered specific anatomical landmarks, such as the quadrigeminal cistern, the pulvinar, and the course of the arteries through the choroidal fissure, providing key insights into how these vessels support critical brain functions.

Feel free to share your feedback! [email protected] — Mustafa Farooq, MS4

In this episode, we explore the fundamentals of the brain’s blood supply, beginning with an overview of its high metabolic demands and the critical importance of continuous circulation. We then dive into the anatomy and key branches of the External Carotid Artery (ECA) and Internal Carotid Artery (ICA), discussing their roles in brain perfusion and collateral circulation. This episode sets the stage for a detailed breakdown of the vascular systems that sustain brain function, highlighting essential concepts for neurosurgery.

Feel free to share your feedback! [email protected] — Mustafa Farooq, MS4

Errata and Changes:

In this episode, please note the following corrections for clarity:

• The anterior meningeal artery supplies the dura of the anterior cranial fossa (not the entire supratentorial dura).
• The middle fossa is part of the supratentorial dura, while the posterior fossa is part of the infratentorial dura.
• Some board review sources mention that V3 (the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve) innervates the posterior fossa dura and classify it under supratentorial innervation. However, the posterior fossa is primarily considered infratentorial and is more commonly innervated by the upper cervical nerves (C1-C3) and cranial nerve X (vagus nerve).

In this episode, we dive into the foundational concepts of neurosurgical anatomy, focusing on the meninges, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and the brain barriers. We cover the protective layers of the brain and spine, the production and function of CSF, and the critical role of the blood-brain and blood-CSF barriers in maintaining a stable environment. This episode is essential for anyone preparing for neurosurgical exams or seeking a refresher on these key anatomical structures.

For questions, feedback, or suggestions, feel free to reach out to Mustafa Farooq, MS4 at [email protected].

In this introductory episode, Mustafa Farooq, MS4, a neurosurgery residency applicant from The Medical College of Georgia, explains the purpose and structure of the podcast. The podcast is designed to help trainees and residents prepare for exams, including the boards. It will follow the content breakdown of common board review resources with each episode covering key sections such as anatomy, physiology, neuropathology, neuroradiology, neurology, neurosurgery, and critical care.

Listeners can expect high-yield, focused content aligned with common board review resources. This episode outlines the structure of future episodes and introduces the first major section: anatomy.

For questions, comments, or feedback, feel free to reach out to Mustafa Farooq at [email protected]