Brainstem Overview

Question 0

Brainstem starts and ends where?

Answer 0

mamillary bodies rostrally

pyramidal decussation caudally

Question 1

2 big functions of brainstem

Answer 1

reflexes/unconscious behaviours

modulation of arousal/conscious states

Question 2

what are the 2 pairs of bumps on the midbrain called? for what?

Answer 2

superior and inferior colliculi

eye movement and hearing

Question 3

what linked with cerebellum?

Answer 3

pons

Question 4

pons is limited by what structure?

Answer 4

4th ventricle

Question 5

what is on the floor of the 4th ventricle?

Answer 5

facial colliculi

1. abducens nucleus
2. fibres of CN VII

Question 6

what is located caudally on the medulla

Answer 6

dorsal columns

nuclei: gracile/cuneate

Question 7

midbrain have massive what matter tracts called? for what?

Answer 7

cerebral peduncles connecting cerebrum to midbrain

Question 8

how is the cerebellum attached to the pons?

Answer 8

via 3 peduncles
superior
middle
inferior

Question 9

medulla rostrally

1. contains 2 bulges, they are?
2. what of the pyramids?

Answer 9

1. olivary nuclei

2. pyramidal decussation

Question 10

what is the tectum?

Answer 10

‘roof’ of the brainstem. ie. midbrain

Question 11

what is tegmentum?

Answer 11

continuous with spinal cord

Question 12

what do you find in the tectum?

Answer 12

colliculi of the midbrain

Question 13

what do you find in the tegmentum? 2 things

Answer 13

cranial nerves

reticular formation

Question 14

what do you find in the basis?

Answer 14

descending motor pathways
corticospinal
cerebellum

Question 15

generally the ventral basis has what? vs. dorsal?

Answer 15

ventral: motor
dorsal: cranial nerves and nuclei

Question 16

general somatic nerves innervate 2 things?

Answer 16

skeletal muscle

skin

Question 17

general visceral nerves innervate 3 things

Answer 17

smooth muscle
blood vessels
glands

Question 18

what does the C1 dermatome innervate?

Answer 18

NOTHING.

Question 20

cranial nerves do what?

Answer 20

supply somatic and visceral motor/sensory info to head

Question 21

Which CN are exclusively motor?

Answer 21

CNIII, IV, VI Eyes

CN XI, XII

Question 22

Which CNs are exclusively sensory?

Answer 22

CN I, II, VIII

Question 23

which CNs are mixed?

Answer 23

V
VII
IX
X

Question 24

What is the rule of 4 for CNs?

Answer 24

Midbrain: 3-4 (1-2 above midbrain)
Pons: 5-8
Medulla: 9-12

Question 25

where do cranial nerve nuclei sensory develop from?

Answer 25

Alar Plate

Question 26

during embryological development, cranial nerve nuclei lie where?

Answer 26

adjacent to ventricular system

Question 27

where do cranial nerve nuclei motor develop from?

Answer 27

basal plate

Question 28

cranial nerve nuclei, which are lateral? which are medial?

Answer 28

lateral: sensory medial: motor

Question 29

how many columns for cranial nerve nuclei?

Answer 29

6 3 motor: medial 3 sensory: lateral

Question 30

what are the 3 cranial nerve nuclei motor columns?

Answer 30

general somatic branchial motor general visceral

Question 31

what are the 3 cranial nerve nuclei sensory columns?

Answer 31

general and special visceral general somatic special somatic

Question 32

What is reticular formation in the tegmentum?

Answer 32

millions of neurons communicating with each other to regulate cranial nerve nuclei function

Question 33

rostral reticular formation does? where?

Answer 33

alert conscious state | midbrain/upper pons

Question 34

Caudal reticular formation does? where?

Answer 34

reflexes, autonomic functions | pons/medulla

Question 35

rostral reticular formation does 2 things

Answer 35

ascending reticular activating system | long projection fibres (NT determined)

Question 36

where is the ventrolateral medullary reticular formation?

Answer 36

caudal reticular formation

Question 37

what does the ventrolateral medullary reticular formation do viscerally? how?

Answer 37

Vagus: GI: swallow/vomit Resp: cough, rhythm, sneeze, hiccup cardio: HR

Question 38

3 major pathways in long fibre tracts?

Answer 38

Ascending: Dorsal column/anterolateral descending: corticospinal

Question 39

What is the dorsal column medial lemnicus system for? crosses?

Answer 39

light touch, vibration, | crosses caudal medulla

Question 40

Anterolateral system for what crosses?

Answer 40

pain/temp | crosses in spinal cord

Question 41

corticospinal tract for?crosses?

Answer 41

motor function | crosses pyramidal decussation

Question 42

pyramidal decussation which tract?

Answer 42

corticospinal

Question 43

pain/temp is received by which system?

Answer 43

anterolateral

Question 44

Dorsal brainstem generally contains? 2 things:

Answer 44

cranial nerve nuclei | reticular formation

Question 45

ventral (basis) brainstem generally contains

Answer 45

corticospinal midbrain: cerebral peduncles pons: cerebellar peduncles medulla: olivary nuclei