Rostral Medulla Flashcards
Cochlear nuclei
Second-order neurons that project bilaterally to the superior olivary nucleus and into the lateral lemniscus. “Saddlebags over the ICP.”
Fourth ventricle
Continuous rostrally with the aqueduct and caudally with the central canal.
Inferior cerebellar peduncle
By the time it enters the cerebellum, it contains crossed olivocerebellar fibers, vestibulocerebellar fibers, most spinocerebellar fibers, and other cerebellar afferents.
Vestibular nuclei
Second-order neurons that form vestibulospinal tracts, much of the MLF, and projections to the cerebellum and thalamus. Inferior vestibular nucleus has a “salt and peppered look.”
Nucleus of the solitary tract, surrounding the solitary tract
This is much like a posterior column system for information from viscera (GVA). Central branches of afferents from cranial nerves VII, IX, and X travel through the tract to reach the nucleus conveying taste (SVA).
Dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus
Preganglionic parasympathetic neurons for thoracic and adnominal viscera. (GVE)
Hypoglossal nucleus
Lower motor neurons for ipsilateral tongue muscles. Tongue points toward lesion—GSE.
Medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF)
At this level, the fibers of the medial vestibulospinal tract.
Spinal trigeminal tract
Primary afferents from the ipsilateral side of the face, including those conveying information about pain and temperature to caudal parts of the spinal trigeminal nucleus. GSA.
Spinal trigeminal nucleus
Some neurons at intermediate levels like this are interneurons in the blink reflex arc. “In on 5 out on 7.”
Spinothalamic pathway
Mostly crossed fibers of the second-order spinal neurons conveying pain and temperature information to the thalamus, VPL, reticular formation, and midbrain.
Nucleus ambiguous
Lower motor neurons for laryngeal and pharyngeal muscles (mostly SVE, a little GVE). (Also contains preganglionic parasympathetic neurons for the heart.)
Reticular formation
No description.
Inferior olivary nucleus
Gives rise to climbing fibers that end in the contralateral half of the cerebellum.
Medial lemniscus
The principal ascending pathway for tactile and proprioceptive information. Originates in the contralateral posterior column nuclei and terminates in the thalamus (VPL).
