L4. Brainstem And Spinal cord Flashcards
(65 cards)
What are the main functions of the brainstem?
- pathway of tracts
- regulatory functions (swallow, breath, sleep, consciousness, etc.)
- reflexes
- origin of cranial nerves
The mid brain’s tectum (roof) has 4 round swellings called?
Corpora Quadrigemina
CN3 and CN4 originates in which part of the brainstem?
Midbrain
What are the functions of the superior colliculi?
- visual and ocular reflexes
- gaze and vergence centers
- connected to LGB
What are the functions of the inferior colliculi?
- auditory reflexes
- sound localization
- connected to MGB
Where is the Edinger-Westphal, oculomotor, and red nucleus found?
Tegmentum
What nucleus is the passageway of ascending tract fibers that connect to the primary motor cortex?
Red nucleus
The Raphe Nuclei extends from the midbrain to the spinal cord and is part of RAS. What are its main functions?
Major site for serotonin-producing neurons at the CNS, Modulates sleep-wake cycle, arousal, and sensory inout (esp. pain)
The Superior Cerebellar Peduncle (midbrain) connects the brainstem to the cerebellum. What is its function?
Main OUTPUT pathway of the cerebellum
What is the major producer of dopamine in the CNS (hint: midbrain)?
Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) & Substantia Nigra
The pars reticulata of substantia nigra contains what neurotransmitter?
GABA
Which part of the substantia nigra contains dopamine and projects to the striatum, putamen, and the caudate nuclei?
Pars compacta
Which part of the brainstem connects the midbrain and medulla oblongata?
Pons
Which part of the brainstem is also known as the “seat of consciousness”?
Pons
What system and tract is responsible for the overall level of consciousness and the wakeful-sleep states?
Ascending Reticular Activating System (ARAS) and Reticulospinal Tract
Which part of the brainstem is also known as the respiratory and deglutition center?
Medulla Oblongata
Why are olives important?
It’s important for the control of movement
Which part of the medulla oblongata contains motor nerves that innervate ipsilateral muscles of the soft palate, pharynx, larynx, and upper esophagus?
Nucleus Ambiguus
What is the main function of nucleus ambiguus?
Swallowing and speaking + inhibit heart rate
What is the function of nucleus solitarius?
Receive taste, chemoreceptor, and baroreceptor inputs in the aortic arch and carotid body
Which parts of the spinal cord expands laterally?
Cervical and lumbosacral enlargement
What is the terminal end of the spinal cord called?
Conus medullaris
At what level is the conus medullaris found?
L1 or L2 (adult)
What is the bundle of spinal nerves and rootlets that extend down from L2?
Cauda equina (“horsetail”)