Brainstem Anatomy

Question 1

What are the 3 parts of the brainstem and which is the biggest?

Answer 1

Midbrain, Pons, Medulla (oblongata)

Pons is the biggest

Question 2

What are the 2 parts of the midbrain?

Answer 2

Cerebral peduncles (anterior) + tectum (posterior)

Question 3

What is the function of the cerebral peduncles?

Answer 3

From pons to cortex

Contains ascending + descending pathways

Question 4

What is the function of the tectum?

Answer 4

Contains superior and inferior colliculi
Superior: visual
Inferior: auditory

Question 5

What is the function of the pons?

Answer 5

Connection between cerebrum + cerebellum (pons = bridge)

Question 6

What are the 2 parts of the medulla?

Answer 6

Olives + pyramids

Question 7

What is the function of the olives?

Answer 7

Superior olivary nucleus: controls ascending + descending pathways of AUDITORY system
Inferior olivary nucleus: coordinates signals from spinal cord to cerebellum (regulates motor coordination + learning)