Brainstem video Flashcards
Three Regions of brainstem?
- midbrain
- pons
- medulla oblongata
What is the function of brain stem?
- Connects cerebrum, diencephalon, and cerebellum to spinal cord
- Bidirectional passageway
- Contains many autonomic centers and reflex centers
- Houses nuclei of many cranial nerves
What is structure of the midbrain?
Located between the diencephalon and the pons
* Cerebral peduncles
- Contain pyramidal motor tracts
* Cerebral aqueduct
- Channel between third and fourth ventricles
What is the function of the substantia nigra?
The substantia nigra helps control movement, emotional response, and ability to produce pleasure and pain.
What is structure of pons?
Forms part of the anterior wall of the fourth ventricle
* Fibers of the pons
- Connect higher brain centers and the spinal cord
- Relay impulses between the motor cortex and the cerebellum
* Origin of cranial nerves V (trigeminal),
VI (abducens), and VII (facial)
* Some nuclei of the reticular formation
* Nuclei that help maintain normal rhythm of breathing
What is structure of Medulla Oblongata?
- Joins spinal cord at foramen magnum
- Forms part of the ventral wall of the fourth ventricle
- Contains a choroid plexus of the fourth ventricle
- Pyramids—two ventral
longitudinal ridges formed by pyramidal tracts - Decussation of the pyramids-crossover of the corticospinal tracts
*Autonomic reflex centers
How does Medulla Oblongata affect Cardiovascular center?
- Cardiac center adjusts force and rate of heart contraction
- Vasomotor center
adjusts blood vessel diameter for blood
pressure regulation
How does medula oblongata affect respiratory system
Respiratory centers
- Generate respiratory rhythm
- Control rate and depth of breathing, with pontine centers
What other regulation centers does mendula oblongata control?
Additional centers regulate
- Vomiting
- Hiccuping
- Swallowing
- Coughing
- Sneezing
Where are the pyramids located and what is their function?
The pyramids are two longitudinal ridges on the anterior surface of the medulla. They house the corticospinal tracts, which send information from the brain to the voluntary muscles.
What are the three main autonomic centers located in the medulla?
The cardiac center regulates heart rate and strength of contraction.
The vasomotor center controls blood pressure.
The medullary respiratory center regulates respiratory rate.
