Brainstem & CN (Mixed)

Question 1

Identify the Spinal Segment and List Defining Features

Answer 1

Upper Medulla

Features:

• Fourth Ventricle
• CN X
• CN XII
• Inferior Olivary Nucleus

Question 2

3 Main Functions of the Reticular Area

Answer 2

1. Integrates sensory and cortical information
2. Regulates somatic motor actvity, autonomic function, and consciousness
3. Modulates nociceptive information

Question 3

Structure: Reflexive turning of the head, auditory and visual information

Answer 3

Superior and Inferior Colliculi

Question 4

Identify the Spinal Segment and List Defining Features

Answer 4

Upper Midbrain

Features:

• Superior Colliculus
• Red Nucleus
• CN III Nuclei

Question 5

4 Major Reticular Nuclei

Answer 5

1. Ventral tegmental area
2. Pedunculopontine nucleus
3. Raphe nucleus
4. Locus cereleus and Medial reticular area

Question 6

Describe why alternating hemiplegia has its name

Answer 6

Pts. present with UMN sx on the opposite side of the lesion and LMN sx on the same side of the lesion

Question 7

Tract: Tract that coordinates eye and head movement

Answer 7

Medial longitudinal fasciculus

Question 8

Identify the Spinal Segment and List Defining Features

Answer 8

Lower Midbrain

Features:

• Inferior Colliculus
• Cerebral Aqueduct
• Para-adqueductal Gray
• CN IV Nuclei (only one that exits posterior)

Question 9

Describe damage to which areas cause the UMN sx and which areas cause the LMN sx in alternating hemiplegia

Answer 9

Damage to the corticospinal tract causes contralateral UMN sx

Damage to the CN causes ipsilateral LMN sx

Question 10

Identify the Spinal Segment and List Defining Features

Answer 10

Inferior Medulla

Features:

• Central Canal
• Fasciculus Gracilis/Cuneatus
• Nucleus Gracilis/Cuneatus
• Medial Lemniscus
• Pyramids

Question 11

Identify the Spinal Segment and List Defining Features

Answer 11

Inferior Pons

Features:

• CN VI
• CN VII (travels posterior and wraps around)
• CN VIII

Question 12

3 Functions of the Medulla

Answer 12

1. Contributes to control of eye and head movement
2. Coordinate swallowing
3. Helps regulate CV, respiratory, and visceral activity (CN X)

Question 13

Section of Brainstem: Contains the pretectal area, superior/inferior colliculi, and reflexive control of eye and head movement

Answer 13

Tectum

Question 14

Identify the Spinal Segment and List Defining Features

Answer 14

Mid/Upper Pons

Features:

• CN V

Question 15

Term: Lesion to one side of the brainstem that effects CN III, CN VI, OR CN XII AND the nearby corticospinal tract

Answer 15

Alternating Hemiplegia

Question 16

Section of Brainstem: Contains the reticular formation, sensory nuclei and ascending tracts, CN nuclei, and the medial longitudinal fasciculus

Answer 16

Tegmentum

Question 17

3 Tracts Effected by an Anteriormedial Lesion in the Upper Medulla

Answer 17

1. Corticospinal (contralateral motor deficits and UMN sx)
2. Medial Leminiscus (contralateral conscious proprio/discrim touch deficits)
3. Hypoglossal n. (ipsilateral tongue deviation)

Question 18

Section of Brainstem: Contains descending motor axons from the cerbral cortex and motor nuclei

Answer 18

Basilar