1.1 Gross Neuroanatomy: Hindbrain and Midbrain

Question 1

What’s the deal with the reticular formation?

Answer 1

• Network of nuclei in brainstem
• Integrates and relays vital brain systems (e.g. respiration, cardiovascular function etc.)

Question 2

Where do corticospinal fibres decussate? Are these sensory or motor fibres?

Answer 2

• Decussate at the base of the pyramids
• Motor

Question 3

Summarise the structures found in the caudal medulla

Answer 3

Key ascending/descending pathways and associated nuclei

Question 4

Summarise the key structures found in the rostral medulla

Answer 4

Cranial nerve nuclei

Question 5

Describe the basic function of the pons

Answer 5

• “Bridge”
• Provides pathway for information flow to and from the cerebellum

Question 6

Locus coeruleus function

Answer 6

Releases noradrenaline to modulate arousal states

Question 7

Main function of raphe nuclei

Answer 7

Releasing serotonin

Question 8

Summary of structures in rostral pons

Answer 8

• Locus coeruleus (function?)
• Raphe nuclei (function?)
• Key cranial nerve nuclei (such as CN V)

Question 9

What does locus coeruleus mean?

Answer 9

Blue place

Question 10

What is the function of the rostral reticular formation? What other parts of the brain does it work with to achieve this?

Answer 10

• Important for alertness and wakefulness
• Works together with diencephalic nuclei

Question 11

What are the basic functions of the caudal reticular formation?

Answer 11

Motor, reflex, and autonomic functions

Question 12

What two structures separate the tectum from the tegmentum in the midbrain/mesencephalon?

Answer 12

• Periaqueductal grey
• Cerebral aqueduct

Question 13

Which of tectum/tegmentum means roof/floor?

Answer 13

Tectum: roof
Tegmentum: floor

Question 14

What two main structures are found in the tectum?

Answer 14

Superior and inferior colliculi

Question 15

Periaqueductal grey function

Answer 15

Pain modulation

Question 16

Efferent information from the cerebellum enters the brainstem from the superior cerebellar peduncle. This information decussates at the level of the _______ colliculus.

Answer 16

Inferior

Question 17

Where can the trochlear nuclei of cranial nerve IV (trochlear nerve) be found?

Answer 17

Anterior to the PAG at the level of the inferior colliculus

Question 18

Where can the nuclei of CN III (occulomotor nerve) be found?

Answer 18

Anterior to PAG at level of superior colliculus

Question 19

The red nuclei can be found in the rostral midbrain. What are their basic function?

Answer 19

Motor coordination

Question 20

The striatum is the largest structure of the ______

Answer 20

Basal ganglia

Question 21

Which structure is responsible for producing dopamine for the dorsal striatum?

Answer 21

Substantia nigra

Question 22

Which structure is responsible for producing dopamine for the ventral striatum?

Answer 22

Ventral tegmental area