DB - neuroanatomy week 2

Question 1

What is the embryological origin of the basal nuclei?

Answer 1

Telencephalon

Question 2

What is the function of the basal nuclei?

Answer 2

Control of voluntary movement
Procedural learning
Eye movement
Cognition
Emotion

Question 3

Which structures are associated with the basal nuclei?

Answer 3

Putamen
Globus pallidus
Caudate nucleus
Substantia nigra

Question 4

What structures are collectively known as the lentiform nucleus?

Answer 4

Globus pallidus and putamen

Question 5

What structure separates the caudate nucleus from the lentiform nucleus?

Answer 5

Internal capsule

Question 6

What is the substantia nigra?

Answer 6

Dopaminergic neurones in the basal nuclei. Plays an important role in reward and movement.

Question 7

What is the function of the thalamus?

Answer 7

Relays information to and from the cerebral cortex.
Processing of sensations.
Consciousness is controlled via the reticular formation

Question 8

What does the thalamus receive input from?

Answer 8

Cerebellum, basal nuclei and limbic system

Question 9

How are the 2 sides of the thalamus joined?

Answer 9

Interthalamic adhesion

Question 10

Which ventricle runs down the midline of the thalamus?

Answer 10

3rd ventricle

Question 11

What is the function of the hypothalamus?

Answer 11

Autonomic control via the reticular formation.
Controls appetite, thirst, temperature, electrolyte and water balance, sleep and behaviour.
Control pituitary gland.

Question 12

What is the function of the limbic system?

Answer 12

Associated with emotion, memory, learning, personality and behaviour.

Question 13

What structures are associated with the limbic system?

Answer 13

Hippocampus, amygdala and piriform lobe, septal nuclei, cingulate gyrus, hypothalamus and thalamus.

Question 14

What is the function of the hippocampus?

Answer 14

Important in spatial memories.

Gives rise to axons forming the fornix and is also connected to the mammillary bodies.

Question 15

What is the Papez circuit?

Answer 15

Basis for emotional experiences and memory storage.

Circuit of the hippocampus, fornix and mammillary bodies.

Question 16

What is the function of the cingulate gyrus?

Answer 16

Connects areas of the cerebral cortex on the same side.
Processes emotions and cognitive processes.
Associated with the thalamus for repetitive behaviours.

Question 17

What fibres are in the cingulate gyrus?

Answer 17

Association fibres.

Question 18

What fibres are in the corpus callosum?

Answer 18

Commissural fibres.

Question 19

What is the function of the corpus callosum?

Answer 19

Allows for communication between the cerebral hemispheres.

Question 20

What is the function of the amygdala?

Answer 20

Processes and remembers emotions (fear and punishment)

Associated with the olfactory nerve.

Question 21

What is the septum pellucidum?

Answer 21

Separates the lateral ventricles.

Runs as a sheet from the corpus callosum to the fornix.

Question 22

What is the function of the colliculi?

Answer 22

Visual and auditory function

Question 23

Where are the colliculi located and what is there collective name?

Answer 23

Located on the tectum of the midbrain. There are 2 rostral and 2 caudal colliculi.
Collectively, they are known as the corpora quadrigemina.

Question 24

What are the main structures associated with the tegmentum of the midbrain?

Answer 24

Crus cerebri
Substantia nigra
Red nucleus
Parasympathetic and motor nucleus of CNIII (oculomotor)
Motor nucleus of CNIV (trochlear)
Reticular formation - fibres extend through the tegmentum

Question 25

What is the location of the periaqueductal grey and what is its function?

Answer 25

Area that surrounds the cerebral aqueduct. | It is related to pain control by releasing opioid-like molecules from the neurones.

Question 26

What is contained within the crus cerebri?

Answer 26

Efferent motor tracts which supply the muscles.

Question 27

What is the function of the red nucleus?

Answer 27

Control of posture and movement. | It is the start of the rubrospinal tract.

Question 28

What is the function of the reticular formation in the midbrain?

Answer 28

Alerts the cerebral cortex to wakefulness (ARAS)

Question 29

What is the function of the reticular formation in the pons/medulla?

Answer 29

Regulates visceral functions and stimulates/inhibits motor activity of the body and limbs. UMN control of CV and respiratory centres. Swallowing and vomiting. Part of the reticulospinal tracts.

Question 30

What structures are associated with the pons?

Answer 30

Contains the nuclei of the trigeminal nerve. Sensory portion runs through the brainstem and the motor portion runs through the mid-region of the pons. Corticospinal tracts cause the bulge.

Question 31

What structures are associated with the medulla oblongata?

Answer 31

Nuclei of CNVI-XII Reticular formation Medullary pyramids, which contains corticospinal tracts. Olivary nucleus

Question 32

What is the function of the corticospinal tract?

Answer 32

Pre-processes input to the cerebellum.

Question 33

Which cranial nerves arise from the pontine medullary junction?

Answer 33

CNVI-CNVIII

Question 34

What is the function of the cerebellum?

Answer 34

important for balance/posture Fine motor control modifies intended movement

Question 35

Is the function of the cerebellum ipsilateral or contralateral?

Answer 35

ipsilateral

Question 36

What are the lobes of the cerebellum, and what is the function of each?

Answer 36

Rostral and caudal lobes - skilled movements. | Flocculonodular lobes - imbalance.

Question 37

How is the cerebellum attached to the brainstem?

Answer 37

By peduncles (6 in total): - Rostral - connected to the midbrain and found medially. - Middle - connected to the pons and found laterally. - Caudal - connected to the medulla and found between the rostral and middle lobe.

Question 38

What is the consequence of a lesion of the basal nuclei?

Answer 38

Dyskinesia - rapid jerking or slow muscle spasms. Increased muscle tone Parkinson's is associated with the degeneration of the substantia nigra.

Question 39

What is the consequence of a lesion of the hypothalamus?

Answer 39

Behavioural changes and autonomic dysfunction, which is displayed as alimentary disorders.

Question 40

What is the consequence of a lesion of the diencephalon?

Answer 40

``` Abnormal behaviour Total body hyperalgesia Slow postural reactions Depression -> Coma (ARAS) Blindness Alterations in thirst and thermoregulation ```

Question 41

What is the consequence of a lesion of the ARAS?

Answer 41

Depression -> coma : therefore affecting mental status

Question 42

What is the consequence of a lesion of the red nucleus and substantia nigra?

Answer 42

Ataxia | Stiffness with reduced voluntary control of muscles.

Question 43

What is the consequence of a lesion of the crus cerebri?

Answer 43

Hyperalgesia - increased sensitivity to pain

Question 44

What is the consequence of a lesion of the general somatic efferent of CNIII and CNIV?

Answer 44

Deviation of the eye

Question 45

What is the consequence of a lesion of the general visceral efferent of CNIII?

Answer 45

Dilation of the pupil

Question 46

What is the consequence of a lesion of the cerebellum?

Answer 46

``` Ataxia Wide based stance Tremor Loss of balance Overshooting of limbs - hypermetria ```

Question 47

What is cerebellar abiotrophy?

Answer 47

genetic mutation causing the loss of purkinje fibres.

Question 48

Which structures in the brain are required for the proper function of mental status?

Answer 48

Cerebral cortex Relay to the thalamus ARAS Sensors for proprioception, exteroception and interoception.

Question 49

What is the consequence of a lesion of the ARAS?

Answer 49

Lesions of the brain stem in this region could lead to a coma.

Question 50

What is the definition of a reflex?

Answer 50

Unconscious reaction to a stimuli

Question 51

What is the definition of a response?

Answer 51

Conscious reaction to a stimuli