10 - Brainstem and Reticular Formation (Exam 3) Flashcards
Where does the brainstem merge with the spinal cord?
Foramen magnum
What 3 regions is the brainstem composed of?
- Midbrain
- Pons
- Medulla oblongata
What type of information do the cerebral peduncles of the midbrain carry?
Descending motor information
What is the only cranial nerve that emerges dorsally from the brainstem?
CN IV
Trochlear nerve
Which cranial nerve passes directly through the red nucleus?
CN III
Oculomotor nerve
Why is the red nucleus named as such?
High deposition of iron present
What structure of the midbrain is related to Parkinson’s?
Substantia nigra
Pons is the Italian word for what?
Bridge
Where does most decussation occur in the medulla oblongata?
Pyramids
The medulla oblongata houses the rootlets of what cranial nerves?
IX
X
XI
XII
The posterior surface of the medulla oblongata mainly carries what type of information?
Mostly sensory information
Where is the open portion of the medulla oblongata located?
Superior
Where is the closed portion of the medulla oblongata located?
Inferior
Where is the fasciculus gracilis located in the medulla?
Medial
Where is the fasciculus cuneatus located in the medulla?
Lateral
What is the obex?
The junction between the open and closed medulla
The reticular formation is one of the most important systems in the brainstem. What does it have a key role in?
Conciousness
By what way does the reticular formation coordinate complex motor patterns?
By way of central pattern generators
What are the 3 functional components of the reticular formation?
- Lateral zone
- Medial zone
- Neurotransmitter systems
What is the function of the lateral zone of the reticular formation?
Processes afferent information
Where does the lateral zone of the reticular formation receive information from?
Spinoreticular tract of the spinal cord
What is the function of the medial zone of the reticular formation?
Processes efferent information
Maintains muscle tone during movements
Where does the lateral zone of the reticular formation receive information from?
All systems involved in motor control, such as: Cerebral cortex Thalamus Basal ganglia Cerebellum Spinal cord
What are 3 major neurotransmitter systems?
- Dopaminergic systems
- Noradrenergic systems
- Serotonergic systems
Which neurotransmitter system is associated with Parkinson’s disease?
Dopaminergic system
Because of substantia nigra
What area in the dopaminergic system has a large role contributing to depression, anxiety, and addiction?
Ventral tegmental area (VTA)
Due to having a large role with reward
What is the primary neurotransmitter in the noradrenergic system?
Norepinephrine
Where is the cluster of the noradrenergic system found?
In the pons
Specifically the locus coeruleus
What are 4 main functions of the noradrenergic system?
- Attention
- Sleep-wake cycle
- Mood
- Pain
The noradrenergic system plays a large role in what 2 disorders?
- Attention disorders
2. Alzheimer’s
Where are serotonergic neurons of the serotonergic system housed?
Raphe nuclei
What are 6 main functions of the serotonergic system?
- Mood
- Appetite
- Sleep
- Pain modulation
- Memory
- Learning
What is the central pattern generator (CPG)?
Cluster of neurons that generate breathing rhythm
Increased intracranial pressure could result in what symptoms as a result of pressure on the CPG?
Uncontrollable:
Vomiting
Hiccups
Coughing
What is often the first symptom of medullary damage?
Uncontrollable hiccuping
Results from inspiratory and expiratory muscles no longer being coordinated
