Brainstem

Question 1

What are three general functions of the brainstem?

Answer 1

(1). Conduit Functions
(2). Integrative Functions
(3). Cranial Nerve Functions

Question 2

What is Conduit Functions?

Answer 2

A passageway for information flow (both ascending sensory and descending motor tracks)

Question 3

What is Integrative Functions?

Answer 3

An integration point for information regarding arousal and higher brain function

Question 4

What is Cranial Nerve Functions?

Answer 4

Receives information from head and vital organs as well as send motor commands to head and vital organs.

Question 5

Is the Rostral Medulla towards the spinal cord or the forebrain?

Answer 5

Forebrain

Question 6

Is the Caudal Medulla toward the spinal cord or the forebrain?

Answer 6

Spinal Cord

Question 7

What are three parts of the external medulla: ventral surface?

Answer 7

(1) Superior Olive
(2) Inferior Olive
(3) Pyramids

Question 8

What does the Superior Olive do?

Answer 8

Auditory perception

Question 9

What does the Inferior Olive do?

Answer 9

Cerebellar motor learning

Question 10

What is the pyramids made of?

Answer 10

Contain motor fibers that are known as the corticospinal tracts. The corticospinal tracts are on the anterior surface of the pyramids.

Question 11

What are two parts of the the external medulla: Dorsal surface?

Answer 11

(1) Cuneate Nucleus
(2) Gracile Nucleus

Question 12

What is a landmark structure of the dorsal surface of the external medulla?

Answer 12

4th ventricle

Question 13

What does the Cuneate Nucleus do?

Answer 13

Carries fine touch and proprioceptive information from the upper boy (except face and ear) to thalamus.

Question 14

What does the Gracile Nucleus do?

Answer 14

Carries fine touch and proprioceptive information from the lower body to thalamus.

Question 15

“Nucleus” is groups of…

Answer 15

Cell Bodies

Question 16

“Fasciculus” is groups of….

Answer 16

Axons

Question 17

The ventral portion of the pons contains…

Answer 17

The pontine nuclei, which relays cortical input to the cerebellum and spinal cord

Question 18

What do the dorsal pons do?

Answer 18

Regulate respiration, mouth sensations, and sleep.

Question 19

Describe Basal Pons.

Answer 19

“Bulge” that dominates ventral surface. Contains cell bodies of pontine nuclei the “middlemen” in communication of motor information from cortex to cerebellum.

Question 20

Describe Trapezoid Body.

Answer 20

At junction of medulla and pons- bundle of fibers involved in auditory processing.

Question 21

Describe the cerebellar peduncles.

Answer 21

Large white matter bundles connecting cerebellum to brainstem.