Brain Stem and Cranial Nerves

Question 1

Brainstem

Answer 1

Where most of the cranial nerves are coming and leaving

Question 2

Brainstem Function

Answer 2

Has sensory, autonomic and motor tracts that travel through or synapse

Question 3

Ascending Tracts in Brainstem

Answer 3

Modified in dorsal portion of brainstem

Question 4

Spinothalamic Modification

Answer 4

Not modified

Passes through brainstem without alteration

Question 5

Dorsal Column Modification

Answer 5

Axons synapse in nucleus gracilis or cuneatus

2nd order neuron cross midline to form medial lemniscus

Question 6

Descending Tracts in Brainstem

Answer 6

Modified in anterior portion of brainstem

Question 7

Corticospinal Modification

Answer 7

Not modified

Passes through brainstem without alteration

Question 8

Corticobulbar Modification

Answer 8

Axons synapse with cranial nerve nuclei in brainstem

Conscious control of cranial nerves

Question 9

Corticoreticular Modfication

Answer 9

Axons synapse within reticular formation

Some control over reticular area

Question 10

Tracts Originating in Brainstem

Answer 10

Tectospinal
Rubrospinal
Reticulospinal
Vestibulospinal

Question 11

Basilar Section of Brainstem

Answer 11

Located anterior and contains motor system structures

Question 12

Tegmentum Section of Brainstem

Answer 12

Located posterior

Question 13

Basilar Section contains…

Answer 13

Descending axons from cerebral cortex

Motor nuclei

Question 14

Tegmentum Section contains…

Answer 14

Reticular formation
Sensory nuclei and ascending sensory tracts
Cranial nerve nuclei
Medial longitudinal fasciculus

Question 15

Medial Longitudinal Fasciculus Tract

Answer 15

Coordinates eye and head movement

Question 16

Tectum Section contains…

Answer 16

Pretectal area - optic reflexes
Superior and inferior colliculi
Reflexive control of eye and head

Question 17

Reticular Formation

Answer 17

Adjusts general activity of nervous system

Question 18

Reticular Formation Function

Answer 18

Integrates sensory and cortical function
Regulates somatic motor activity/autonomic function/consciousness
Modulates nociceptive information

Question 19

Major reticular nuclei

Answer 19

Ventral tegmental
Pedunculopontine
Raphe nucleus
Locus cereleus and medial reticular area

Question 20

Ventral Tegmental Area Function

Answer 20

Provides dopamine

Important in motivation and decision making

Question 21

Pedunculopontine Nucleus Function

Answer 21

Influences movement via connections to thalamus and vestibular/reticular nuclei

Question 22

Raphe Nucleus Function

Answer 22

Affects mood

Involved in inhibition of pain transmission

Question 23

Locus Cereleus and Medial Reticular Area Function

Answer 23

Regulates attention

Regulates autonomic function

Question 24

Medulla Anterior Surface

Answer 24

Pyramids
Olives
Cranial nerves IX, X, XI, and XII

Question 25

Medulla Posterior Surface

Answer 25

Inferior cerebellar peduncle

Central canal widens to become 4th ventricle

Question 26

Inferior Cerebellar Peduncle Function

Answer 26

White fiber pathway where information goes into cerebellum

Question 27

Medulla Functions

Answer 27

Contributes to control of eye and head
Coordinates swallowing
Helps regulate cardiovascular, respiratory and visceral activity

Question 28

Inferior Olivary Nucleus (Superior Medulla)

Answer 28

Relay information to cerebellum

Question 29

Corticobulbar Tract Pathway

Answer 29

Motor cortex
Projects to CN nuclei in brainstem
Facilitates LMN innervating muscles of head and neck
Project laterally

Question 30

Corticobulbar Tract Exception

Answer 30

LMN’s to lower face and tongue muscles controlled by contralateral fibers

Question 31

Brainstem Disorders

Answer 31

Mix of ipsilateral and contralateral signs
Mix of UMN’s and LMN’s
Four D’s (-phagia, -arthria, -poplia, -metria)