Anatomy🫀 Flashcards
Length of spinal cord
- 45 cm in the adult male
- 42 cm in the adult female.
Location of spinal cord
in the upper two-thirds of the vertebral canal.
beginning of spinal cord
as the continuation of the medulla oblongata just below the foramen magnum.
Ending of spinal cord
- The lower end of the cord is called the conus medullaris. It ends at:
1. Intrauterine life: Fills the whole vertebral canal.
2. In the new born: At the level of L3.
3. In the adult: At the level of the lower border of the L1.
Enlargments of spinal cord
Cervical enlargement: (C5-T1) in the cervical region & gives origin to brachial plexus.
Lumbar enlargement: (L1-S2) in the lumbar region & gives origin to lumbosacral plexus.
what is cauda equina?
individual spinal nerves within spinal cord
What are the layers of spinal meninges?
- The dura matter
- The arachnoid matter
- The pia matter
Description of The dura mater
the outer layer and ends at the level of the 2nd sacral vertebra (S2).
Discription of the arachnoid matter
the middle layer and ends at the level of the 2nd sacral vertebra.
Description of the pia matter
- inner layer and forms two types of ligaments:
- Filum terminale
- 2 denticulate ligaments
Filum terminale
It extends from the conus medullaris to the back of the coccyx.
2 denticulate ligaments
They extend from the pia mater, pierce arachnoid mater to be attached to the dura mater.
what is Lumbar Cistern?
It is a part of the subarachnoid space.
Extension of Lumbar Cistern
It extends from L2 to S2.
Significance of Lumbar Cistern
It is used for lumbar puncture (injection of drugs, anasthesia and CSF sampling).
Contents of Lumbar Cistern
- The CSF
- Cauda equina: roots of lumbar and sacral nerves
- Filum terminal interna.
which artries supply the spinal cord?
- Anterior Spinal Artery
- Two Posterior Spinal Arteries
- Radicular Arteries
where does Anterior Spinal Artery arise from? and what does it supply?
- Is a single artery arises from the vertebral artery.
- It supplies the anterior 2/3rds of the spinal cord.
where do the Two Posterior Spinal Arterie from? and what do they supply?
- Each is a branch of the vertebral artery or usually from the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA).
- They supply the posterior 1/3 of the spinal cord.
what is the major source of blood to the lower two-thirds of the spinal cord?
- They are the major source of blood to the lower two-thirds of the spinal cord. They are branches from:
a. In the neck: from the vertebral & ascending cervical arteries.
b. In the thorax: from the intercostal arteries.
c. In the abdomen: from the lumbar arteries.
d. In the pelvis: from the lateral sacral arteries.
Venous drainage of the spinal cord
The veins correspond to the arteries and drain into the internal vertebral venous plexus in the epidural space.
How many spinal cord segments are there?
- The spinal cord has 31 segments corresponding to the number of the spinal nerves:
8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral and 1 coccygeal segment.
Roots of each segment
Each segment has a pair of dorsal and ventral nerve roots.
what characterizes the first and last spinal nerves?
Each of them only has a dorsal (Sensory) root and no ventral root
what happens to The dorsal and ventral roots at the intervertebral foramen?
The dorsal and ventral roots join at the intervertebral foramen forming the spinal nerve.
what divides the spinal cord into two halves anteriorly and posteriorly?
- The spinal cord is divided into two halves by the anterior median fissure and posterior median septum, Each half is composed of an inner gray matter and outer white matter.
what is each half of the spinal cord composed of?
Grey matter: The grey matter is H-shaped contains the nerve cell bodies, It is formed of 3 horns on each side; ventral (motor), lateral (autonomic) and dorsal (sensory).
White matter: Contains nerve fibres (tracts).
Definition of CSF
it is the fluid that fills the ventricles of the brain and the subarachnoid space.
Volume of CSF
about 130 ml mainly in the subarachnoid space:
- 30 ml in the ventricles
- 100 ml in the subarachnoid space.
Formation of CSF
- Choroid plexus: is the main source of the CSF (70%). It is produced mostly by the choroid plexus of the lateral ventricle.
- Ependymal lining of the ventricles: add CSF to the ventricles.
- Cells of the pia mater: add CSF to the subarachnoid space.
Circulation of CSF
- It flows from the lateral ventricles to the third ventricle through the interventricular foramina of Monro, then to the fourth ventricle through the aqueduct of Sylvius.
- It leaves the fourth ventricle to the subarachnoid space through the median foramen of Magendie and the lateral foramina of Luschka.
- A small amount flows to the central canal of the spinal cord.
Absorbtion of CSF
Main site for drainage: arachnoid villi & granulations. They drain the CSF into the venous blood of the dural sinuses especially the superior sagittal sinus.
what are the functions of CSF?
➢ Reduces the brain weight 60 folds (from 1400 gm to 25 gm).
➢ Protects the brain and the spinal cord.
➢ Substitutes the lymphatic system in the CNS
➢ Maintains the chemical environment for the CNS
➢ Regulation of the intracranial pressure.
what are clinical conditions related to CSF?
Hydrocephalus
what is Hydrocephalus?
It is an abnormal increase in the volume of the CSF with dilatation of the ventricles and increase in size of the head.
what are the causes of Hydrocephalus?
Obstruction to its circulation: It is the commonest cause.
Overproduction of the CSF: by choroid plexus tumor (rare).
Inadequate drainage of the CSF: by thrombosis of the superior sagittal sinus.
Definition of ALS
neuromuscular condition involving destruction of anterior horn motor neurons
Symptoms of ALS
- loss of the ability to speak, swallow, and breathe
what are the parts of the brain stem?
- Medulla oblongata
- Pons
- Midbrain
what does the ventral surface of medulla oblongata show?
- 3 Elevations
- 3 Fissures (sulci)
- Exit of the lower 4 cranial nerves
Elevations on the ventral surface of medulla oblongata
on each side of the midline.
- Pyramid: contains the pyramidal tract.
- Olive: formed by the inferior olivary nucleus.
- Inferior cerebellar peduncle (ICP): connects the medulla to the cerebellum.
Fissures on the ventral surface of medulla oblongata
- Anterior median fissure
- Anterolateral (Pre-olivary) fissure
- Posterolateral (Post-olivary) fissure
what does Infeior cerebellar peduncle connect?
connects the medulla to the cerebellum.
Site of Anterior median fissure
- In the midline.
- Between the 2 pyramids.
what obliterates the lower part of Anterior median fissure?
Pyramidal decussation.
Site of Anterolateral (Pre-olivary) fissure
Between the pyramid and olive.
what nerves exit at Anterolateral (Pre-olivary) fissure?
Shows the exit of the XII (12) nerve.
Site of Posterolateral (Post-Olivary) fissure
Between the olive and ICP.
what nerves exit at Posterolateral (Post-Olivary) fissure?
Shows the exit of IX (9), X(10) and XI(11) cranial nerves.
Exit of the lower 4 cranial nerves
- Glossopharyngeal, vagus & cranial accessory nerves: exit at the post-olivary fissure.
- Hypoglossal nerve: exit at the pre-olivary fissure.
what is the Pons?
- The middle part of brain stem
Extension of Pons
- Extends from Midbrain (Superiorly) to the medulla (Inferiorly)
what is the Pons divided into?
Ventral part (Basis pontis) and dorsal part (Tegmentum)
what does the ventral surface of the pons show?
- Basilar groove
- Transverse pontine fibers
- Exit of the middle 4 cranial nerves
what is the groove of basilar artery?
Basilar groove
what do Transverse pontine fibers form?
- they form the middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP) which connects the pons with the cerebellum.
Exit of the middle 4 cranial nerves
Trigeminal: exit at the lateral border between the upper and lower borders of pons by 2 roots; small medial motor & large lateral sensory.
Abducent nerve: exit between the pyramid and pons.
Facial nerve: exit at the cerebellopontine angle by 2 roots; large medial motor & small lateral sensory (nervous intermedius).
Vestibulocochlear nerve: exit at the cerebellopontine angle lateral to the facial nerve.
what is the Cerebellopontine angle?
it is the angle between pons, medulla and cerebellum
what does the Cerebellopontine angle contain?
- 3 cranial nerves: VII (7), VIII (8) & IX (9).
- Lateral recess of 4th ventricle & choroid plexus of 4th ventricle.
- Flocculus of cerebellum.
- AICA (anterior inferior cerebellar artery).
what is the Midbrain?
It is the upper part of brain stem.
Extension of Midbrain
Extends from the pons (inferiorly) to the diencephalon (superiorly).
what cavity does the Midbrain contain?
It contains a cavity called cerebral aqueduct of Sylvius which divides it into; ventral part (cerebral peduncle) and dorsal part (tectum).
what does the ventral surface of Midbrain show?
- 2 Cerebral peduncles
- Interpeduncular fossa
- Exit of oculomotor nerve
Divisions of Cerebral peduncles
each is divided into:
- Crus cerebri
- Substantia nigra
- Tegmentum
what is Crus cerebri?
it is the anterior part.
what is Substantia nigra?
It is the middle pigmented part.
what charachterizes Substantia nigra?
- Contains melanin pigment, Secretes dopamine.
what is the Tegmentum?
it is the posterior part
what is the Interpeduncular fossa?
A Fossa in between the 2 cerebral peduncles.
Exit of cranial nerves at midbrain
Exit of oculomotor nerve: exit from the interpeduncular fossa medial to the crus cerebri.
parts of the dorsal part of the medulla oblongata
- Lower part (Closed medulla)
- Upper part (Open medulla)
what does the lower part (Closed medulla) of medulla oblongata show?
shows 3 elevations on each side of the midline:
- Gracile tubercle
- Cuneate tubercle
- Tuberculum cinereum
Where is Gracile tubercle located & what is it formed by?
- Located medially.
- Formed by gracile nucleus.
Where is Cuneate tubercle located & what is it formed by?
- Intermediate.
- Formed by cuneate nucleus.
Where is Tuberculum cinereum located & what is it formed by?
- Located laterally.
- Formed by spinal nucleus of trigeminal nerve.
what does the upper part (Open medulla) of the medulla oblongata form?
forms the lower part of the floor of 4th ventricle.
what does the upper part (Open medulla) of the medulla oblongata show?
- Sulcus limitans (Inferior fovea), divides the area into: (Hypoglossal trigone - Vagal trigone - Vestibular trigone)
- Area postrema (Obex)
- Stria medullaris of 4th ventricle
Where is Hypoglossal trigone located & what is it formed by?
- Located medially.
- Formed by hypoglossal nucleus.
Where is Vagal trigone located & what is it formed by?
- Intermediate.
- Formed by dorsal motor nucleus of vagus nerve.
Where is Vestibular trigone located & what is it formed by?
- Located laterally.
- Formed by the inferior and medial vestibular nuclei.
what is Area postrema (Obex)? and where is it located?
is a vomiting center located at the
inferior angle of the 4th ventricle.
what is Stria medullaris?and where is it located?
at the upper end of medulla. They are arcuate-cerebellar fibers.
what does the dorsal surface of Pons form?
it forms the upper part of the floor of 4th ventricle
what does the dorsal surface of Pons show?
- Sulcus limitans (Superior fovea), divides the area into: (Medial eminence - Vestibular area)
- Locus ceruleus
what does sulcus limitans (superior fovea) divide the dorsal surface of the pons into?
(Medial eminence - Vestibular area)
where is the Medial eminence?
Located medially.
what is the lower part of Medial eminence called? and what is it formed by?
lower part is called facial colliculus which is formed by abducent nucleus encircled by facial nerve fibers.
where is the Vestibular area located? and what is it formed by?
- Located laterally.
- Formed by the superior and lateral vestibular nuclei.
What is Locus cerules?
is a pigmented area at the upper end of superior
fovea. It is a noradrenaline secreting center.
what doe the dorsal surface of Midbrain show?
- 4 colliculi (2 superior & inferior)
- Exit of trochlear nerve
what are Colliculi?
they are rounder elevations.
what are the 2 superior colliculi? and what are they connected to?
- They are visual reflex centers.
- Connected to the lateral geniculate body by superior brachium.
what are the 2 inferior colliculi? and what are they connected to?
- They are auditory reflex centers and lower auditory centers.
- Connected to the medial geniculate body by inferior
brachium.
Exit of trochlear nerve
exit below the inferior colliculus
what does the lateral surface of Midbrain show?
- Superior brachium: connects the superior colliculus with the lateral geniculate body.
- inferior brachium: connects the inferior colliculus with the medial geniculate body.
what does the lateral surface of Midbrain Related to?
2 Nerves: optic tract & trochlear nerve.
2 Arteries: SCA (superior cerebellar artery) & PCA (posterior cerebral artery).
Vein: basal vein.
what are lamina of rexed (Nuclei of the gray matter of the spinal cord)?
Laminal I: Posteromarginal nucleus (Pain and temperature).
Lamina II: Substantia Gelatinosa of Rolandi (SGR) (Pain and temperature).
Laminae III and IV: Nucleus proprious (Pain, temperature and touch).
Lamina VII: Medially (Clark,s nucleus) & Laterally (spinal border cell): Unconscious proprioception.
what are the order neurons of the ascending pathways of spinal cord?
1st order neurons: Dorsal root ganglion or cranial nerve ganglion
2nd order neurons: Spinal cord or brain stem
3rd order neurons: Thalamus (Ventral posterior thalamic nucleus)
what are the ascending tracts in the spinal cord?
Dorsal column tracts: Gracile and cuneate tracts.
Lateral column tracts: Spinocerebellar (Dorsal and ventral) and lateral spinothalamic tracts.
Ventral column tracts: Ventral spinothalamic tract.
Dorsal column tracts
Gracile and cuneate tracts.
Sensitive to: Vibration, Conscious proprioception & fine touch
Lateral column tracts
- Spinocerebellar (Dorsal and ventral)
Sensitive to: UnConscious proprioception - Lateral spinothalamic tracts.
Sensitive to: Pain & Temperature
Ventral column tracts
Ventral spinothalamic tract.
Sensitive to: Simple touch and pressure
what are Dorsal column tracts (In details)?
- Gracile tract: carries fibers from below T6.
- Cuneate tract: carries fibers from above T6.
First order neuron in dorsal column tracts
Dorsal Root Ganglia
- Peripheral processes of pseudo-unipolar neurons of dorsal root ganglia end in receptors.
- Central processes enter spinal cord & form gracile or cuneate tract, which ascend in ipsilateral dorsal funiculus to reach medulla. They end in Gracile or cuneate nuclei, respectively.
which is medial, gracile or cuneate tracts?
Gracile tract is medial to cuneate tract.
2nd order neuron in dorsal column tracts
Gracile & Cuneate Nuclei
- Axons of gracile & cuneate nuclei cross to opposite side and form medial lemniscus.
- Medial lemniscus ascends in brainstem to end in ventral posterior lateral nucleus of thalamus (VPLNT).
3rd order neuron in dorsal column tracts
VPLNT
- Axons of ventral posterior lateral nucleus of thalamus pass through internal capsule to end in upper 2/3 of general sensory area of cerebral cortex (area 3,1,2) in postcentral gyrus.
what are the functions of dorsal column tracts?
- Conscious proprioception: sense of movement and sense of position.
- Fine touch.
- Sense of vibration.
what does a lesion in Gracile & Cuneate tract cause?
Loss of Conscious proprioception, discriminative touch & sense of vibration in same side of body below level of lesion.
what does a lesion in Medial lemniscus cause?
Loss of Conscious proprioception, discriminative touch & sense of vibration on opposite side of body below level of lesion.
what are the receptors of Lateral spinothalamic tract?
Free nerve endings
First order neuron in lateral spinothalamic tract
Dorsal root ganglia
- Peripheral processes of DRG neurons end in receptors.
- Central processes enter spinal cord & ascend for 1 or 2 segments forming Lissauer’s tract, which synapses in posteromarginal nucleus (lamina I), substantia gelatinosa (lamina II) & nucleus proprius (laminae III & IV).
second order neuron in lateral spinothalamic tract
Lamina I to IV
- Axons of neurons in posteromarginal nucleus & nucleus proprius cross to opposite side in anterior gray & white commissure forming lateral spinothalamic tract, which ascends in spinal cord & brainstem to end in ventral posterior lateral nucleus of thalamus (VPLNT).
Third order neuron in lateral spinothalamic tract
VPLNT
- Axons of VPLNT pass posterior 1/2 of posterior limb of internal capsule to reach upper 2/3 of general sensory area in postcentral gyrus
Functions of lateral spinothalamic tract
It carries pain and temperature sensations
what does a lesion in Lateral spinothalamic tract cause?
- loss of pain and temperature sensations on opposite side of body, two segments below the level of lesion
what is the role of Substantia gelatinosa?
- Doesn’t take part in formation of lateral spinothalamic tract
- Has short axons, which synapse with neurons of nucleus proprius and Posteromarginal nucleus to inhibit pain transmission
First order neuron in ventral spinothalamic tract
DRG
- Peripheral processes of the DRG in the receptors
- Central processes, enter spinal cord, and divide into ascending and descending branches, which synapse in nucleus propius of about 10 spinal cord segments
Central processes of DRG (First order neuron in ventral spinothalamic tract)
Central processes, enter spinal cord, and divide into ascending and descending branches, which synapse in nucleus propius of about 10 spinal cord segments
second order neuron in ventral spinothalamic tract
Nucleus proprius
- Axons of nucleus proprius (of ten segments) Cross to opposite side of spinal cord to form ventral spinothalamic tract that ascends in spinal cord & brainstem to end in VPLNT
Third order neuron in ventral spinothalamic tract
VPLNT
- Axons of VPLNT ascend in posterior limb of internal capsule to reach general sensory area of cerebral cortex in postcentral gyrus
Functions of Ventral spinothalamic tract
- it carries simple (crude) touch and pressure from the body
what does a lesion in ventral spinothalamic tract cause?
signs are not detected clinically because:
- Crossing occurs at many segments.
- Touch is also created by gracile & Cuneate tracts
First order neuron of Spinocerebellar tract (Unconscious propioception)
Dorsal Root Ganglia.
Second order neuron of Spinocerebellar tract (Unconscious propioception)
Clarke’s nucleus (laming VII): For information from trunk & lower limb
- Axons of Clarke’s nucleus in same side form (dorsal / Post.) spinocerebellar tract.
- It reaches cerebellum through inferior cerebellar peduncle. (no crossing).
Spinal border cells (in lateral part of laming VII: for information from lower limb only.
- Axons of spinal border cells of opposite side form ventral spinocerebellar tract.
- It reaches cerebellum through superior cerebellar peduncle.
- Fibers cross back within cerebellum (double-crossing)
Functions of Spinocerebellar tract
- cerebellum is responsible for coordination of movement, posture & maintenance of muscle tone
what does a lesion in Spinocerebellar tract cause?
Ataxia (loss of muscle coordination)
what carries unconscious proprioception from upper limb?
cuneocerebellar tract
First order neuron of sensations of the face
Trigeminal ganglion
- Peripheral processes are distributed via ophthalmic, maxillary & mandibular divisions to receptors in face
- Central branches: form sensory root of trigeminal nerve which terminate in…
where does sensory root of trigeminal nerve end?
Second order neuron of sensations of the face
It is in the sensory nuclei of trigeminal (mesencephalic, main sensory and spinal nucleus) in the brain stem.
- The axons of second order neurons mostly cross to the opposite side and ascend to relay in the ventral postero-medial (VPM) nucleus of thalamus
Third order neuron of sensations of the face
VРМNТ
- Axons of VPMNT ascend in internal capsule to end in postcentral gyrus (lower third).
A patient was admitted to an emergency hospital with sudden loss in pain and temperature sensations from his left foot, what is the affected sensory tract producing this impairment?
Right Lateral Spinothalamic tract at lumbar region
Parts of Auricle
- Elevations: helix & antihelix & tragus
- Depressions: conchae
- Lobule
Parts of External auditory canal
Outer 1/3: Cartilaginous part& directed upward
Inner 2/3: Bony part & directed downward forward
Parts of Tympanic membrane
- Pars flaccida the upper 1/5
- Pars tensa the lower 4/5
Surfaces of Tympanic membrane
Lateral surface: concave
Medial surface: convex with its
maximum convexity “umbo” produced by handle of malleus. On examination, the handle forms antroinferior cone of light
Arterial supply of external ear
Anterior auricular: from superficial temporal artery
Posterior auricular:from external carotid artery
Deep auricular: from 1st part of maxillary artery
Nerve supply of Auricle
- Lesser occipital from C2 supply back of auricle
- Great auricular from C2,C3 supply lobule of auricle
- Auriculo-temporal of mandibular & auricular branch of vagus supply front of auricle
Nerve supply of External auditory canal
- Auriculo-temporal of mandibular nerve
- Auricular branch of vagus nerve
Nerve supply of Tympanic membrane
- Outer surface: Auriculo-temporal of mandibular & auricular branch of vagus
- Inner surface: from tympanic plexus of middle ear
Lymph drainage of auricle
- Mastoid lymph nodes
- Parotid lymph nodes
Arterial supply of Middle ear
Nerve supply of Middle ear
Tympanic plexus
what forms Tympanic plexus?
- Tympanic branches of glossopharyngeal
- Sympathetic fibres around internal carotid
- Communicating branch with facial N.
Branches of Tympanic plexus
- Sensory branches: to middle ear & Eustachian tube.
- Lesser superficial petrosal nerve: carries parasympathetic fibers to parotid gland
Roof of Middle ear
Tygmen tympani separating it from brain “site for infection spread”
Floor of Middle ear
Jugular fossa separating it from internal jugular vein “site for infection spread”
Anterior wall of Middle ear
- Opening for tensor tympani
- Opening for auditory tube
- Bony plate separating middle ear from Internal carotid artery
- Opening for chorda tympani “ to get out from middle ear”
Posterior wall of Middle ear
A. Aditus: connect it to mastoid air cells “site for infection spread”
B. Vertical part of facial canal
C. Pyramid: small projection containing stapedius
D. Opening for chorda tympani “to enter the middle ear”
Medial wall of Middle ear
a. Horizontal part of facial canal
b. Promontary: Round bulge produced by cochlea
c. Oval window: postero-superior to promontory, closed by foot of stapes
d. Round window: postero-inferior to promontory, closed by 2nd tympanic membrane.
Lateral wall of Middle ear
Inner layer of tympanic membrane.
Contents of Middle ear
Bones:
- Malleus & Incus & Stapes
Muscles:
- Tensor tympani: it tenses the tympanic membrane, it is supplied by mandibular nerve
- Stapedius: it prevents hyperaeusis, it is supplied by facial nerve
Nerves:
- Chorda tympani of facial nerve & Tympanic plexus
Origin of Facial nerve
Motor:
- In lower part of pons
Sensory:
- Spinal trigeminal nucleus: receive general somatic sensation
- Upper 1/3 of nucleus soliterus: receive taste sensation from anterior 2/3 of tongue
Parasympathetic:
- Superior Salivary nucleus
Course of Facial nerve
Branches of Facial nerve
- Cranial
- Extra-Cranial
Cranial branches of Facial nerve
Greater superficial petrosal:
- parasympathetic fibers relay on pterygo-.palatine ganglion to supply lacrimal gland, nose, palate & pharynx
Nerve to Stapedius
Chorda tympani: it joins lingual nerve to supply:
- Parasympathetic to submandibular, sublingual glands
- Taste sensation from Anterior 2/3 of tongue
Extra–Cranial branches of facial nerve
Posterior auricular: Supply Occipitalis
Descending motor branch: Supply Posterior belly of digastric& Stylohyoid
Terminal:
1. Temporal: supply orbecularis occuli & frontalis
2. Zygomatic: supply orbecularis occuli
3. Buccal: supply orbecularis oris & buccinator
4. Mandibular: supply orbecularis oris
5. Cervical: supply platysma
what does a lesion in Upper motor neuron lesion affect? and what are its features?
Affect: Cortico – bulbar fibers
Features: Contralateral Paralysis of lower 1⁄4 of face “Buccinator &Orbecularis oris”
what does a lesion in Lower motor neuron lesion affect? and what are its features?
Affect: facial nucleus or facial nerve
Features: according to site of lesion:
Lower motor neuron lesion If the lesion is at facial colliculus
- Ipsilateral paralysis in muscles of facial expression & medial squint “due to affection of abducent nucleus”
Lower motor neuron lesion If the lesion is at cerebello-pontine angle
- Ipsilateral paralysis in muscles of facial expression with affection of vestibulo-cocchlear , glossopharyngeal nerves
Lower motor neuron lesion If the lesion is at internal auditory meatus
- Ipsilateral paralysis in muscles of facial expression with affection of vestibulo-cocchlear nerve
Lower motor neuron lesion If the lesion is at middle ear
- Ipsilateral paralysis in muscles of facial expression
- Vestibulo-cocchlear nerve is not affected
- Greater superficial petrosal nerve is not affected
- Affection of nerve to Stapedius: hyperacusis
- Affection of chorda tympani: loss of taste from anterior 2/3 of tongue
Lower motor neuron lesion If the lesion is at Stylomastoid foramen “Bell pulsy”
Ipsilateral paralysis in all muscles of facial expression
Generally; Paralysis of muscles of facial expression causes….
Inner ear
- Bony labyrinth
- Membranous labyrinth
Parts of Bony labyrinth
- Cochlea
- Vestibule
- Semicircular canals
Content of Bony labyrinth
perilymph
Parts of Membranous labyrinth
Cochlear duct: (contain organ of corti: hearing receptor)
Utricle, saccule: (contain macula: receptor of balance)
Semicircular ducts: (contain crista ampullaris: receptor of balance)
Content of Membranous labyrinth
Endolymph
what are the types of descending motor systems?
- Pyramidal system
- Extrapyramidal system
- Pathway to the cerebellum
what does pyramidal system form?
Forms a direct link between the cerebral cortex and the spinal cord and brainstem. It forms:
Corticospinal tract: descends to anterior horn cells (AHCs) of the spinal cord.
Corticobulbar tract: descends to the cranial nerve motor nuclei in the brainstem.
what does extrapyramidal system form?
Forms an indirect link between the cerebral cortex & spinal cord through the brainstem. The tracts reach the spinal cord outside the pyramid of the medulla.
what are pyramidal corticospinal tracts?
- Lateral corticospinal tract (crossed).
- Ventral corticospinal tract (uncrossed).
Origin of corticospinal tract
it is formed of the axons of pyramidal cells:
- 40% of the fibers: from the upper 2/3 of the primary motor area (area 4).
- 40% of the fibers: from the premotor area (area 6).
- 20% of the fibers: from the general sensory area (area 3, 1 & 2).
Course of corticospinal tract
what happens to the fibers at the lower part of the medulla?
- 85% of the fibers cross to the opposite side forming the lateral corticospinal tract & the pyramidal (motor) decussation.
- 15% of the fibers remain uncrossed and form the ventral corticospinal tract. They cross in the cervical & upper thoracic regions of the spinal cord.
Termination of corticospinal tract
- About 95% terminate on the opposite side.
- About 5% terminate on the same side.
Functions of corticospinal tract
- Facilitation of the flexor muscle tone.
- Initiation of the movements.
- Fibers originating in the sensory area modulate sensory input to the spinal cord.
What does UMNL in corticospinal tract cause?
Above the decussation: contralateral hemiplegia (paralysis of the opposite 1⁄2 of the body).
Below the decussation: ipsilateral hemiplegia.
Origin of corticobulbar tract
- Lower 1/3 of the primary motor area.
- Adjacent premotor area & sensory area.
Course of corticobulbar tract
The tract descends through the:
1. Corona radiata of the medullary center.
2. Genu of the internal capsule.
3. Crus cerebri of the midbrain with the corticospinal fibers.
4. Basis pontis of the pons.
5. Pyramid of the medulla.
Termination of corticobulbar tract
- It terminates on the cranial nerve motor nuclei of the two sides mainly on the opposite side.
- All the cranial nerve motor nuclei receive bilateral corticobulbar fibers except the lower part of the facial nucleus, which receives fibers from the opposite side only.
what does UMN paralysis of the lower part of the contralateral facial nucleus cause?
- paralysis of the muscles of the lower part of the opposite side & weakness of the muscles supplied by the cranial nerves.
what causes motor system lesions?
Trauma: by fracture of the vertebral column, stab or by bullet.
Compression: by tumor or herniated disc.
Vascular: by occlusion of an artery.
what are motor system lesions?
are either of upper motor or of lower motor neuron lesion
what causes UMNL?
- Due to a lesion in the pyramidal & the extrapyramidal tracts.
Signs of UMNL
after the stage of shock:
- Hypertonia: exagerated muscle tone.
- Hyper-reflexia: hyperactive deep tendon reflexes.
- Spastic paralysis: resistance to passive movements due to increased muscle tone.
- Babinski sign: extension of the big toe upon stroking the sole of the foot.
- Clonus: alternating flexion & extension of the foot upon strong dorsiflexion of the foot.
what causes LMNL?
due to a lesion in the anterior horn cells or their axons (peripheral nerves).
Signs of LMNL
- Hypotonia: Decrease or loss of the muscle tone.
- Areflexia: Absence of the deep tendon reflexes.
- Flaccid paralysis: The flaccidity of muscles is due to loss of muscle tone.
- Fibrillation or fasciculation due to spontaneous contraction of muscle fibers.
- Muscle atrophy
what are extrapyramidal tracts?
originate from the brainstem:
- 2 From the midbrain: rubrospinal tract & tectospinal tract (are crossed).
- 2 From the vestibular nuclei: lateral & medial vestibulospinal tracts.
- 2 From the reticular formation: lateral & medial reticulospinal tracts.
- 2 others: raphe-spinal tract & descending autonomic fibers (hypothalamospinal tract).
what are the fuctions of extrapyramidal tracts?
All the pyramidal & extrapyramidal tracts facilitate the flexor muscle tone except the 2 tracts which arise from the pons which facilitate the extensor muscle tone:
- Pontine vestibulospinal tract.
- Pontine reticulospinal tract.
Origin of Rubruspinal tract
from the red nucleus of the opposite side
Function of Rubruspinal tract
carries information from the cerebellum & cerebral cortex to the spinal cord & facilitation of the flexor muscle tone.
Origin of Tectospinal tract
from the superior colliculus of the opposite side.
Function of Tectospinal tract
Reflexes associated with vision & hearing.
Origin of Potine vestibular tract (Vestibulospinal tract)
lateral vestibular nucleus in the pons.
Fuction of Potine vestibular tract (Vestibulospinal tract)
facilitation of the extensor muscle tone.
Origin of Medullary vestibulospinal tract (Sulcomarginal tract)
medial vestibular nucleus in the medulla.
Function of Medullary vestibulospinal tract (Sulcomarginal tract)
facilitation of the flexor muscle tone.
Origin of pontine reticulospinal tract
pontine reticular formation.
Function of pontine reticulospinal tract
facilitation of the extensor muscle tone.
Origin of Medullary reticulospinal tract
medullary reticular formation.
Function of Medullary reticulospinal tract
facilitation of the flexor muscle tone.
Origin of Descending autonomic fibers
hypothalamus & autonomic centers in the reticular formation.
Termination of Descending autonomic fibers
sympathetic nucleus (lateral horn) & sacral parasympathetic nucleus.
what does a lesion of Descending autonomic fibers cause?
Autonomic disturbances, Lesion above T1 will cause Horner s syndrome
Symptoms of Horner’s syndrome
Ptosis: drooping of the upper eyelid due to paralysis of Muller s muscle.
Miosis: constriction of the pupil due to paralysis of the dilator pupillae.
Anhidrosis: dry face due to paralysis of the sweat glands.
Enophthalmos: retraction of the eyeball.
Flushing: the face is red and warm due to vasodilation of skin blood vessels.
Structure of cortico-ponto-cerebellar pathway
The cortico-ponto-cerebellar pathway is divided into 2 neurons:
1. Corticopontine fibers
2. Pontocerebellar fibers
Types of Corticopontine fibers
- Frontopontine
- Non-Frontopontine
where do frontopontine fibers arise from?
frontal lobe.
what do frontopontine fibers transmit?
motor information to the cerebellum.
where do non-frontopontine fibers arise from?
parietal, temporal & occipital lobes
what do non-frontopontine fibers transmit?
sensory information to the cerebellum.
Pontocerebellar fibers
Axons of the pontine nuclei cross to the opposite side and enter the cerebellum through the middle cerebellar peduncle.
Function of Pontocerebellar fibers
- Transmit motor & sensory information from the cerebral cortex to the neocerebellum.
- The pathway brings the cerebellum under the control of the cerebral cortex for precise correction of movements.
Site of Infratemporal fossa
- Located deep to the ramus of the mandible.