9- Brainstem Flashcards
Functions of Brainstem
Relay- long tracts between spinal cord and cortex
Attachment for cranial nerve
Integrative functions
- CV, respiratory, visceral/motor, reticular formation
Agnosia
Inability to recognize identify or some other property using a given sense
Apraxia
Patient unable to perform actions
Muscles are fine
Can perform them in a different context
Cerebellar Hypoplasia
Lukopenia viral injection in utero destroys Purkinje cells
Cerebellum is constantly growing in utero (virus attacks these cells)
Results in decreased inhibition from cerebellum = can’t balance
Chorea
Dance
Rapid movements of face, tongue, limbs
Athetosis
Without position
Slow, writhing movement
Ballimus
Jumping about
Wild, flailing movements of 1 limb
Example of Hyperkinetic Disorder
Huntingtons
Characteristics of Hypokinetic Disroders
Rigidity
Slow and reduced movements
Stooped posture
Resting tremor
i.e. PD
Symptoms of PD
Bradykinesia
Hypertonia
Resting tremor
Akinesia (can’t initiate movement
Cause of PD
Degeneration of DA neurons in Substantia nigra pars compacta
Specific Input (Thalamus)
Info from a specific nucleus that may continue on to cerebral cortex
Regulatory Input (Thalamus)
From PFC
Synapses onto entire thalamus
Helps determine if decision about whether info leaves a particular nucleus
HYP- Autonomic Control
Anterior pituitary- parasympathetic
Posterior- sympathetic
HYP - Temperature Regulation
Preoptic- has thermosensitive neurons, maintains core body temp
Posterior HYP- controls heat generating mechanisms
