Brainstem

Question 1

What is the primary role of the spinal cord?

Answer 1

Communication between the brain and body, and control of reflex circuits.

Question 2

What are the three protective layers of the spinal cord?

Answer 2

Pia mater, arachnoid mater, and dura mater.

Question 3

How many pairs of spinal nerves does the spinal cord have?

Answer 3

31 pairs.

Question 4

What are the two types of nerves in each spinal nerve pair?

Answer 4

Sensory nerves and motor nerves.

Question 5

What is the central canal?

Answer 5

A channel in the spinal cord where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flows.

Question 6

What is the function of the dorsal roots?

Answer 6

To carry sensory information to the CNS.

Question 7

What is the function of the ventral roots?

Answer 7

To carry motor information to muscles and organs.

Question 8

What is a dermatome?

Answer 8

A skin area innervated by a specific spinal nerve.

Question 9

What is the composition of spinal cord grey matter?

Answer 9

Neuronal cell bodies and dendrites.

Question 10

What is the role of interneurons in the spinal cord?

Answer 10

They form reflex arcs for quick motor responses.

Question 11

What are ascending pathways?

Answer 11

Axon tracts that carry sensory information to the brain.

Question 12

What are descending pathways?

Answer 12

Axon tracts that carry motor commands from the brain to the spinal cord.

Question 13

What is the difference between the dorsal and ventral horns?

Answer 13

Dorsal horns process sensory input, ventral horns contain motor neurons.

Question 14

What are Rexed’s laminae?

Answer 14

Layers of grey matter with specific functional roles in the spinal cord.

Question 15

What are the cervical and lumbar enlargements?

Answer 15

Regions of the spinal cord where nerves for limbs originate.

Question 16

What is a monosynaptic reflex?

Answer 16

A reflex involving one synapse between a sensory and motor neuron.

Question 17

What is the function of the brainstem?

Answer 17

To connect the brain with the spinal cord and manage vital functions.

Question 18

What are the three parts of the brainstem?

Answer 18

Medulla, pons, and midbrain.

Question 19

What is the role of the medulla?

Answer 19

Controls vital reflexes like breathing and heartbeat.

Question 20

What is the role of the pons?

Answer 20

Relays information between the cerebrum and cerebellum.

Question 21

What is the tectum?

Answer 21

A part of the midbrain responsible for visual and auditory reflexes.

Question 22

What is the reticular formation?

Answer 22

A network in the brainstem involved in arousal, consciousness, and pain perception.

Question 23

What is the periaqueductal grey matter?

Answer 23

Midbrain area involved in pain suppression and primitive behaviors.

Question 24

What is the function of the red nucleus?

Answer 24

Controls limb movements via the rubrospinal tract.

Question 25

What is the substantia nigra?

Answer 25

A midbrain structure involved in movement control and dopamine production.

Question 26

What cranial nerves connect to the brainstem?

Answer 26

Cranial nerves III to XII.

Question 27

What is the function of the cranial nerve nuclei?

Answer 27

They process sensory input or generate motor commands for cranial nerves.

Question 28

Which cranial nerve is responsible for vision?

Answer 28

Cranial nerve II (optic nerve).

Question 29

Which cranial nerve controls the tongue?

Answer 29

Cranial nerve XII (hypoglossal nerve).

Question 30

What is the vestibulocochlear nerve responsible for?

Answer 30

Balance and hearing (cranial nerve VIII).