Brainstem & Cerebellum (12) Flashcards
(11 cards)
The brain stem is composed of the:
medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain
Medulla Oblongata
- transmits ascending and descending impulses between the brain and
spinal cord - pyramids – nerve tracts – conscious control of skeletal muscle
- center for vital reflexes – heart rate, BP, respiration, swallowing, coughing,
sneezing - olives - nuclei involved in balance, coordination, modulation of sound
- nuclei of cranial nerves V, VII, IX, X, XI, XII
Pons
ascending and descending nerve tracts
* nuclei
* sleep centre, respiratory centre
Anterior
* Pontine nuclei – communication
between cerebrum and cerebellum
Posterior
* nuclei of cranial nerves V, VI, VII, VIII
Midbrain
- most superior portion of the brainstem
- nuclei of cranial nerves III, IV, V
- Tectum: 4 nuclei - form mounds on dorsal
surface of midbrain - each separate part is a colliculus
- two superior colliculi involved in visual
reflexes - two inferior colliculi involved in hearing
Reticular Formation
- Group of nuclei scattered throughout brainstem
- “Cloud” throughout the brainstem
- Controls cyclic activities such as sleep-wake cycle
Cerebellum
Communicates with other regions of the CNS:
▪ superior cerebellar peduncle – midbrain
▪ middle cerebellar peduncle – pons
▪ inferior cerebellar peduncle – medulla oblongata
Cerebellum regions
- Flocculonodular lobe – balance (visual info, tactile/skin, inner ear)
- Vermis – gross motor coordination (Anterior), fine motor
coordination (Posterior) - Cerebellar (lateral) hemisphere – fine motor coordination
Which of the following cranial nerves have nuclei in the pons?
V, VI, VII, VIII (5, 6, 7, 8)
Medulla oblongata pyramids
composed of white matter
descending tract (takes motor information to spinal cord)
Olives
The olives redirect sensory information from muscles and joints to the cerebellum to help with balance and coordination.
The cranial nerve that has origins in all three portions of the brainstem is cranial nerve
V (5)
