Brainstem + Cranial Nerves Flashcards
How is the cerebellum connected to the brainstem?
3 CEREBELLAR PEDUNCLES (white matter tracts)
Where do all ascending + descending pathways pass through?
contains 9 out of 12 cranial pair nuclei (III to XII, except XI)
What is the roof of the brainstem called (runs along the posterior side of the brainstem)?
Tectum
What is the centre of the brainstem called?
tegmentum
What the anterior aspect that runs the along the whole brainstem called?
The base
What runs in the centre of the brainstem between the awaken tectum and the tegmentum?
Ventricular system
What’s visible in a transverse or horizontal section of the midbrain? (going from posterior to anterior)
→
What’s visible in a transverse or horizontal section of the pons?
→ 4th ventricle
→ middle cerebellar peduncle
→ pontine nuclei
→ transverse fibres + descending pathways
What’s visible in a transverse or horizontal section of the open (upper) medulla? (going from posterior to anterior)
→ 4th ventricle
→ inferior olivary nucleus
What’s visible in a transverse or horizontal section of the closed (lower) medulla? (going from posterior to anterior)
→ dorsal columns
→ central canal
→ decussation of pyramids
What cranial nerves emerge from the midbrain?
→ occulomotor = III
→ trochlear = IV
What cranial nerves emerge from the pons?
→ trigeminal = V
→ abducens = VI
→ facial = VII
→ vestibulocochlear = VIII
What cranial nerves emerge from the medulla?
→ glossopharyngeal = IX
→ vagus = X
→ hypoglossal = XII
What is the difference between the upper + lower parts of the medulla?
→ upper = open posteriorly, due to 4th ventricle
→ lower = closed posteriorly, due to closing up to continue into spinal chord as central canal
What are the 2 arterial systems of the CNS?
→ anterior
→ posterior
