Brainstem Flashcards
What is the primary role of the spinal cord?
Communication between the brain and body, and control of reflex circuits.
What are the three protective layers of the spinal cord?
Pia mater, arachnoid mater, and dura mater.
How many pairs of spinal nerves does the spinal cord have?
31 pairs.
What are the two types of nerves in each spinal nerve pair?
Sensory nerves and motor nerves.
What is the central canal?
A channel in the spinal cord where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flows.
What is the function of the dorsal roots?
To carry sensory information to the CNS.
What is the function of the ventral roots?
To carry motor information to muscles and organs.
What is a dermatome?
A skin area innervated by a specific spinal nerve.
What is the composition of spinal cord grey matter?
Neuronal cell bodies and dendrites.
What is the role of interneurons in the spinal cord?
They form reflex arcs for quick motor responses.
What are ascending pathways?
Axon tracts that carry sensory information to the brain.
What are descending pathways?
Axon tracts that carry motor commands from the brain to the spinal cord.
What is the difference between the dorsal and ventral horns?
Dorsal horns process sensory input, ventral horns contain motor neurons.
What are Rexed’s laminae?
Layers of grey matter with specific functional roles in the spinal cord.
What are the cervical and lumbar enlargements?
Regions of the spinal cord where nerves for limbs originate.
What is a monosynaptic reflex?
A reflex involving one synapse between a sensory and motor neuron.
What is the function of the brainstem?
To connect the brain with the spinal cord and manage vital functions.
What are the three parts of the brainstem?
Medulla, pons, and midbrain.
What is the role of the medulla?
Controls vital reflexes like breathing and heartbeat.
What is the role of the pons?
Relays information between the cerebrum and cerebellum.
What is the tectum?
A part of the midbrain responsible for visual and auditory reflexes.
What is the reticular formation?
A network in the brainstem involved in arousal, consciousness, and pain perception.
What is the periaqueductal grey matter?
Midbrain area involved in pain suppression and primitive behaviors.
What is the function of the red nucleus?
Controls limb movements via the rubrospinal tract.
What is the substantia nigra?
A midbrain structure involved in movement control and dopamine production.
What cranial nerves connect to the brainstem?
Cranial nerves III to XII.
What is the function of the cranial nerve nuclei?
They process sensory input or generate motor commands for cranial nerves.
Which cranial nerve is responsible for vision?
Cranial nerve II (optic nerve).
Which cranial nerve controls the tongue?
Cranial nerve XII (hypoglossal nerve).
What is the vestibulocochlear nerve responsible for?
Balance and hearing (cranial nerve VIII).
