Brainstem Flashcards
Where is the pyramidal decussation?
Caudal medulla
Where are the superior (auditory) and inferior (visual) colliculi
Posterior midbrain
What are the 3 major fibre bundles in the posterior pons?
Superior, inferior, and middle cerebellar peduncles
Where is the 4th ventricle located
Over the posterior rostral pons and caudal medulla
What is the obex?
Opening of central canal (from SC) into the medulla
What is carried by the fasciculus gracilis? Where is it found
sensory information (fine touch,proprioception, vibration) from lower body, below T6 Posterior medulla
What is carried by the fasciculus cuneatus? Where is it found
sensory information (fine touch,proprioception, vibration) from upper body, above T6
What are the names of the tubercles found in the caudal medulla?
gracile tubercle and cuneate tubercle
Where is the tuberculum cinereum
Overlies spinal tract of the trigeminal nerve and lies immediately lateral to fasciculus cuneatus
Which three regions do all levels of the brainstem have rostral to the obex?
- Tectum (area posterior to the ventricular space) 2. Tegmentum (area anterior to the ventricular space) 3. Base/Large structures “appended” to the anterior surface
What is the tectum in the midbrain comprised of?
Sup and inf colliculi
What is found in the tectum of the pons and rostral medulla?
Inferior and superior medullary vela (singular, velum; which form roof of 4th ventricle)
What is found in the tectum (space anterior to the 4th ventricle)?
Reticular formation nuclei; cranial nerve nuclei and tracts; ascending tracts from spinal cord; descending tracts
Which 3 structures form the anterior “base” at each level of the brainstem?
- In midbrain - crus cerebri 2. pons - basal pons 3. In medulla - pyramids -contain corticospinal, corticobulbar and corticopontine fiber
Describe the location of the gracile and cuneate tubercles on the anterior brainstem
anterior to obex
