Brainstem - general (dave's notes)

Question 1

What is the role of the brain stem?

Answer 1

The brain stem connects the cerebrum and diencephalon to the spinal cord

Question 2

What are the constituents of the brain stem?

Answer 2

Midbrain, pons and medulla oblongata.

Question 3

Where does the brain stem extend from and to?

Answer 3

From the tenurial aperture to C1

Question 4

What is the histological makeup of the brain stem?

Answer 4

Composed of fibres and cells with cells aggregated into nuclei of three groups

Question 5

What are the three groups of nuclei of the brain stem?

Answer 5

Cranial nerves 3-12
Other named nuclei
The reticular formation

Question 6

Where is the reticular formation of the brain stem found?

Answer 6

Intermingled with the cranial nerve nuclei and other named nuclei, forming vital centres

Question 7

What are the other non cranial nerve named nuclei in the brain stem?

Answer 7

Colliculi
Red nucleus
Substantia nigra
Pontine nuclei
Olicary nuclei

Question 8

List the important levels of the midbrain

Answer 8

Upper midbrain
Lower midbrain
Upper Pons
Lower Pons
Upper medullla
Middle medulla
Lower medulla