Figure 5. Isolate the region of interest.

A. While the brain is dorsal side up, locate the inferior colliculi and, using a razor blade, make a cut immediately above them perpendicular to the rostro-caudal axis. Discard the part containing the cerebellum. B-C. Flip the brain ventral side up, locate the optic chiasma and using the razor blade, make a cut perpendicular to the rostro-caudal axis. Discard the frontal part. This should free the fimbria of the fornix, which lies immediately above the hippocampus. E-H. Apply just the required amount of glue on the vibratome plate. F. Using the curved spatula and your index and thumb as an abutment (do not grab the brain with your fingers!) pick up the brain. Use your finger to push the brain off the spatula immediately above the glue and delicately ‘drop’ in on the glue in a single motion. For clarity purpose, there is no ice and no bubbling in the solution in Panels A-D and F.