Brainstem

Question 1

What is brainstem

Answer 1

Medulla, pons, Reticular formation, midbrain and cerebellum which works in conjunction with brainstem

Question 2

Medulla

Answer 2

nuclei of CN 8-12, respiarotoy centre
Dorsal Respiratory Group - breathing in
Ventral Respiratory Group- breathing out
Issues- pupil dilated, abnormal breathing patterns, Cn palsies- n0 control of movement
nuclei that govern autonomic function eg heart rate, breathing , cough, gag, swallow, vomit.

Question 3

Pons

Answer 3

Nuclei of CN5-8
Relays impulses between medulla and superior part pf brain, between cerebellar hemispheres and between cerebrum and cerebellum. Respiratory centre called pneumotaxic centre or shutting centre, basic life activities such as respiration and reflexes associated with it are under control of the pons- apneutsic centre in lower pons promotes inhalation by constant stimulation of neutrons in medulla.
issues- pupils pinpoint, semi- coma, locked in syndrome

Question 4

Reticular Formation

Answer 4

Extends through central core of medulla, pons and midbrain. Intricate structure composed of loosely clustered neurons in what is other white matter. Involved in sleeping awakening cycle, stimuli to discriminate against irrelevant background stimuli , arousal and motivating centre, area in which affected by psychotropic drugs , general anaesthetic work through their affect on RF.

Question 5

Midbrain

Answer 5

Nuclei associated with CN3 & 4 . Tectum is area behind cerebral aqueduct , tegmentum is area in front
Tectum contains 2 superior and 2 inferior colliculi.
Superior colliculi- important visual centtres and sensory- motor head and eye movements
Inferior colliculi- auditory processing
Damage to it- 3CN palsy and ptsiosis.

Question 6

Cerebellum

Answer 6

Posterior to medulla and pons, inferior to cerebral hemispheres.
Midline is vermis, two cerebellar hemispheres, individual strands are focia.
function - to evaluate how well the motor commands of the cortex are being carried out, - error signal send as feedback to motor cortex resulting in improved motor control.- coordination, and skilled movement., muscles moving in-group
Damage - results in movement problems, tiring of muscles