3 Brainstem And Reticular Formation

Question 1

3 broad functions of brainstem:

Answer 1

1. Conduit- info passed to/from cortex/spinal cord
2. Cranial nerve- head’s version of spinal nerves; also nerves for taste, equilibrium, eye muscles, etc.
3. Integrative functions: complex motor patterns, cardiorespiratory control, reflexes (Reticular formation)

Question 2

Gray matter mass in roof of rostral midbrain. Has roles in controlling vision.

Answer 2

Superior Colliculus

Question 3

Gray matter mass in roof of caudal midbrain. Major component of auditory system.

Answer 3

Inferior Colliculus

Question 4

Central core of brainstem. Regulates posture, internal environment, pain, sleep and wakefulness, emotional tone.

Answer 4

Reticular Formation

Question 5

Movement disorder of tooth-grinding/clenching. Central cause theory -> Reticular Formation dysfunction

Answer 5

Bruxism

Question 6

The reticular formation can suppress/facilitate pain through ______. Opiates activate this ____-raphe at multiple levels (inhibit pain)

Answer 6

Periaqueductal gray (PAG)

Question 7

The _____ helps maintain consciousness/sleep-wakefulness cycle. Bilateral damage here (in midbrain RF area) results in coma.

Answer 7

Ascending reticular activating system (ARAS)

Question 8

Neurochemical signatures of nuclei with diffuse projections:
Brainstem-
Hypothalamus-
Telencephalon-

Answer 8

Brainstem- Norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin

Hypothalamus- histamine

Telencephalon- acetylcholine

Question 9

Norepinephrine is used in the medulla for ______ (solitary nucleus) and _____ (ventrolateral medulla).
It is also used in the locus ceruleus of the rostral pons for _____.

Answer 9

Memory enhancement

Pain regulation

Arousal/attention

Question 10

Decreased levels of norepinephrine (from less locus ceruleus neuron activity) can clinically cause _____ (common in Parkinson’s disease)

Increased norepinephrine can result in ______ disorder.

Answer 10

Depression

Panic

Question 11

Dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain control _____ activity (substantia nigra), _______, and _______ (limbic system)

Answer 11

Motor

Organized thinking/planning

Emotional reward (drug dependency)

Question 12

Schizophrenia results from low levels of _____ (social withdrawal) and high levels of _____ (hallucinations) produced by the ______ area of the midbrain.

Answer 12

Dopamine

Dopamine

Ventral Tegmental

Question 13

Serotonergic neurons are found in the _____.

Answer 13

Raphe nuclei

Question 14

Abnormal levels of ______ can result in binge eating, high carb consumption (low level); compulsiveness or anorexia (high levels).
Drugs increase this chemical to treat depression and anxiety.

Answer 14

Serotonin