Brainstem & The Senses ; Lecture

Question 1

Name three key landmarks in the skull base/posterior fossa.

Answer 1

Petrous apex, cavernous sinus, orbital apex.

Question 2

The internal acoustic meatus and _________ foramen are critical structures in the posterior fossa.

Answer 2

jugular.

Question 3

True/False: A 3rd nerve palsy involving parasympathetic fibers typically presents with a fixed, dilated pupil.

Answer 3

True.

Question 4

What are two clinical issues associated with venous sinuses in the brain?

Answer 4

Sinus thrombosis and fractures crossing venous sinuses.

Question 5

The _________ is a structure within the skull that separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum and is closely associated with venous sinuses.

Answer 5

tentorium.

Question 6

What structures lie superior and inferior to the brainstem?

Answer 6

Superiorly: Thalamus and internal capsule.
Inferiorly: Spinal cord.

Question 7

The brainstem contains cranial nerves _________ to _________ and is traversed by the _________ artery.

Answer 7

III; XII; basilar.

Question 8

True/False: The cerebellar peduncles connect the cerebellum to the brainstem.

Answer 8

True.

Question 9

What are the main components of the ascending sensory system?

Answer 9

Thalamus, lateral spinothalamic tract, and posterior columns.

Question 10

The descending motor system involves the _________ decussation and the _________ tract.

Answer 10

pyramidal; corticospinal.

Question 11

List two functions of the reticular activating system.

Answer 11

Regulates alertness and sleep-wake cycles.
Controls respiratory and cardiovascular drives.

Question 12

The reticular activating system is located in the _________ gray matter and the floor of the _________ ventricle.

Answer 12

peri-aqueductal; fourth.

Question 13

Name three cranial nerves associated with the brainstem and their basic functions.

Answer 13

III: Eye movement and pupil constriction.
V: Facial sensation and mastication.
X: Autonomic control of the heart and digestive tract.

Question 14

True/False: The hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) exits through the jugular foramen.

Answer 14

False (it exits through the hypoglossal canal).

Question 15

List three types of tumors that can affect the brainstem.

Answer 15

Meningioma, schwannoma, astrocytoma.

Question 16

Inflammatory brainstem disorders include _________, while metabolic disorders can include central pontine _________.

Answer 16

multiple sclerosis (MS); myelonecrosis.

Question 17

True/False: Vertebral artery dissection can cause infarction affecting the brainstem.

Answer 17

True.

Question 18

Name three reflexes used to confirm brainstem death.

Answer 18

Pupillary reflex.
Corneal reflex.
Gag reflex.

Question 19

The absence of spontaneous _________ is a criterion for brainstem death.

Answer 19

respirations.

Question 20

What are two hallmark signs of cerebellar syndrome?

Answer 20

Ataxia and nystagmus.

Question 21

True/False: Cerebellar deficits are typically contralateral to the lesion.

Answer 21

False (they are ipsilateral).

Question 22

What interventions are used for corneal injuries due to brainstem disorders?

Answer 22

Eye drops, lubricants, gold weights, or lateral tarsorrhaphy.

Question 23

For patients with swallowing difficulties, a _________ tube or _________ is commonly used.

Answer 23

nasogastric (NG); PEG (percutaneous enterogastrostomy).

Question 24

What foramina are associated with the cranial nerves exiting the brainstem?

Answer 24

Cavernous sinus.
Internal acoustic meatus (IAM).
Jugular foramen.

Question 25

The foramina of _________ and _________ are key structures in the ventricular system that can lead to obstructive hydrocephalus.

Answer 25

Magendie; Luschka.