University Archives

This study explores the neuroanatomy of the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) by developing a brain atlas that identifies brain regions found in teleosts in other vertebrates. This will enable us to further study the brain of fathead minnows to understand how it supports motor control, sensory processing, and behavior. We dissected the brains of minnows, preserved them in a 4% paraformaldehyde solution, and embedded them in paraffin. This allowed us to section the brain using a microtome. Sections were collected on slides, stained, and imaged under the microscope. We compared different embedding techniques to determine the most effective method for brain sectioning to minimize any tissue loss. By studying the neuroanatomy of minnow brains, we can gain insights into fundamental brain structures that are shared across vertebrates, including humans. This can have significant implications for neurological research. Refining dissection and preservation techniques also enhances future studies on fish brain structures, providing a more reliable model for investigating neural processes. These findings can inform broader research in neuroscience, behavioral studies, and even biomedical applications related to brain function and repair.