brainstem Flashcards
parts of brainstem from interior to superior
- Medulla oblongata
- Pons
- Midbrain
reticular formation area
spans all three regions of brainstem
brainstem connects ____ to ______
spinal cord to rest of brain
medulla oblongata regulates
heart rate, blood vessel diameter, respiration, swallowing, vomiting, hiccupping, coughing, sneezing
medulla oblongata contains
ascending (sensory) and descending tracts (motor)
cranial nerve nuclei
pyramids
olive
pyramids of medulla oblongata
formed by large descending motor tracts involved in conscious control of skeletal muscle
olive of medulla oblongata
rounded protruding structure from anterior surface
involved in balance, coordination and modulation of inner ear
Pons contains
ascending and descending tracts
pontine nuclei
pontine nuclei of pons responsible for
relaying information from cerebrum to cerebellum
sleep center (rapid eye movement)
respiratory center (works medulla oblongata)
cranial nerves of pons
posterior portion
V-VII
midbrain cranial nerves
III-V
corpa quadregmina of midbrain
4 mounds of nuclei on dorsal surface on tectum (roof)
each mound is colliulus
superior colliculi of midbrain
involved in visual reflexes–ie hearing a loud noise and turning head
receive info from: inferior colliculi, cerebrum, eye and skin
interior colliculi of midbrain
involved in hearing
sends auditory input to superior colliculi
tegetum of midbrain
floor
contains ascending tracts
red nuclei
ascending tract
unconscious regulation of motor activies
substanstia nigra
connected to basal nuclei of cerebrum
pigmented with melanin
maintaining muscle tone and coordinated movements
cerebral pundicles
descending tract– motor info from cerebrum to spinal cord and brain stem
reticular formation
nuclei scattered throughout brainstem
plays role in arousal, awareness, posture, pain and sleepwake cycle
modulates activity of cranial nuclei–swallowing, breathing, HR
“rhythmic”
