Brainstem Functions Flashcards
(47 cards)
3 basic functions of the brainstem:
- Conduit
- CN functions
- Integrative
What functions does the brainstem integrate and regulate?
some motor respiratory cardiovascular consciousness pain modulation
Within the reticular formation, there is a great deal of _____: a single cell responding to several sensory inputs.
convergence
large dendritic fields
Within the reticular formation, there is a great deal of _____: a single cell projecting to several different targets through collaterals.
divergence
What are the 3 zones of the reticular formation?
- Raphe
- Medial zone
- Lateral zone
The ____ is a group of cells on either side of the reticular formation midline.
raphe
The ____ zone contains large and small neurons with long axons, comprising most of the long ascending and descending projections out of the RF.
medial zone
The lateral zone of the RF is particularly prominent in which levels?
rostral medulla and caudal pons
The ____ zone of the RF is primarily involved with CN reflexes and visceral function.
lateral
The ___ zone of the RF is considered the receiving zone.
lateral
Which motor tracts participate in postural control and walking as part of the reticular formation?
Medial and Lateral Reticulospinal tracts
Medial and Lateral Vestibulospinal tracts
What are three sensory functions of the reticular formation?
- modulates reflex response to noxious stimulus
- certain areas of the RF also play a major role in the modulation on nociception
- sensory integration related to postural control
The periaqueductal and periventricular gray substance are involved in ____ control and contain high levels of ____.
pain control
endorphins
Respiratory centers are located in what area of the RF?
medullary and pontine RF
Respiratory centers receive input from _____.
chemoreceptors
re: pH, blood oxygen levels, stretch receptors
Lesions of the respiratory centers produce distinct abnormal breathing patterns because:
influence over phrenic nucleus C3-5
rhythmical patterns and pacemaker (ie: CPG for breathing)
Cardiovascular control centers are located in what area of the RF?
medulla
Cardiovascular control centers receive input from _____.
baroreceptors
inputs from CN IX and X
Cardiovascular control centers project to ____.
autonomic nuclei of the SC
BP control centers are located in ____.
ventrolateral medulla
Cardiovascular control centers have reciprocal connections with the ____ system.
Evidence?
limbic system
evidence: panic attacks and limbic responses (ie: anger) expressed via autonomic centers in medulla
What visceral control center is associated with coughing, hiccuping, sneezing, yarning, shivering, gagging, swallowing, laughing, and crying?
Cardiovascular control centers
T or F:
Damage to visceral control centers is life threatening.
True
The hypothalamus projects to area of the brainstem that influence the ____ system.
sympathetic
