Anatomy Topic 3 Case 5 Flashcards
Identify the three components of the brainstem
- Midbrain
- Pons
- Medulla
Name three systems that ascend through the brainstem
- DCML
- Spinothalamic
- Trigeminothalamic
Name a system that descends through the brainstem
- Corticospinal
Name a system that terminates within the brainstem
- Corticobulbar
Identify three roles of the brainstem
- Pain perception
- Consciousness
- Regulation of cardiovascular and respiratory systems
Why is damage to the brainstem is so devastating?
- Structurally compact region
- Damage to which results in large functional deficit
What are the crus cerebri, where are they located and what do they contain?
- Anterior surface of cerebral peduncles
- Anterior surface of midbrain
- Descending fibres
Where do the oculomotor nerve emerge?
- Between the two cerebral peduncles
- Bracketing the mamillary bodies
Where is the tectum located? What is it composed of? Wheres does the trochlear nerve arise in relation to the tectum?
- Posterior and superior surface of midbrain
- Contains superior and inferior colliculi
- Trochlear nerve arises below the inferior colliculi
Which cranial nerves attach to the pons?
- Trigeminal nerve laterally
- Abducens, facial and vestibulocochlear inferiorly (from medial to lateral)
Where are the pyramids located and what do they contain? What occurs at the pyramidal decussation?
- Anterior surface of medulla
- Corticospinal fibres
- Decussation of corticospinal fibres at the pyramidal decussation
Where are the olives located and what is their function?
- Located posterolaterally to the pyramids
- Connections with cerebellum and is involved in control of movement
Which cranial nerve passes between the pyramid and olive?
- Hypoglossal
What is the obex?
- Inferior apex of fourth ventricle
Where is the fourth ventricle located and what is it covered by?
- Posterior surface of pons and medulla
- Cerebellar peduncles
Where are the gracile tubercles and cuneate tubercles located? What do they contain?
- Posterior surface of medulla
- Gracile tubercle overlies the nucleus gracilis medially carrying GSA fibres of the DCML from the lower limb
- Cuneate tubercles overlies the nucleus cuneatus laterally carrying GSA fibres of the DCML from the trunk and upper limbs
Which cranial nerve arises from the first pharyngeal arch?
- Trigeminal
Which cranial nerve arises from the second pharyngeal arch?
- Facial
Which cranial nerve arises from the third pharyngeal arch?
- Glossopharyngeal
Which cranial nerve arises from the fourth pharyngeal arch?
- Superior laryngeal branch of vagus nerve
Which cranial nerve arises from the sixth pharyngeal arch?
- Recurrent laryngeal branch of vagus nerve
What is meant by cranial nerve nuclei?
- Cells groups arranged in longitudinal columns
- Points at which efferent nuclei originate or afferent nuclei terminate
What is carried by general somatic afferent fibres?
- Touch
- Pain
- Temperature
What is carried by general somatic efferent fibres?
- Motor innervation to skeletal muscle
- Excluding motor innervation by cranial nerves that arise from the pharyngeal arches