Brainstem

Question 0

Midbrain

Answer 0

1) It is a narrow structure that lies superior to the pons and inferior to the diencephalon.
2) The midbrain controls many motor and sensory functions, including acoustic reflexes, visual reflexes, eye movements and regulation of some eye and head movements.
3) It houses the nuclei for the Oculomotor (III) and Trochlear (IV) nerves, which control some eye movements and reflexes.

Question 1

Brainstem

Answer 1

Consists of the Medulla Oblongata, Pons, and Midbrain

Connects the Spinal Cord to the Brain

Question 3

Pons

Answer 3

1) The pons is a roundish, bulging structure.
2) The pons is involved with audition, muscle innervation, and balance.
3) It houses the nuclei for the Trigeminal (V) and Facial (VII) nerves, which are important for mastication and speech production.

Question 5

Medulla Oblongata

Answer 5

1) The medulla is inferior to the midbrain and the pons.
2) It composes the inferior portion of the brainstem just superior to the spinal cord.
3) It is important to speech because it houses descending fibers that transmit motor information to several cranial nerve nuclei.
4) Cranial nerves whose nuclei are housed within the medulla include the Vestibulocochlear (VIII), Vagus (X), Glossopharyngeal (IX), Accessory (XI), and Hypoglossal (XII) nerves.
5) Information from one half of the brain goes to the opposite side of the body to control the sensory input and motor movements.