Building Brains 3 Flashcards
How does the brainstem play a role in endocrine function? (1)
Via stimulation of the hypothalamus
How does the brainstem play a role in consciousness, alertness, and sleep? (1)
Via the ascending reticular activating system
Give two inputs to the inferior colliculi. (2)
- Cochlea
- Brainstem nuclei
Give two outputs of the inferior colliculi. (2)
- Medial geniculate bodies
- Auditory cortex
Give two functions of the inferior colliculi. (2)
- Relays auditory information
- Localises sound
Give two inputs to the superior colliculi. (2)
- Retina
- Visual cortex
Give two outputs of the superior colliculi. (2)
- Tectospinal tract
- Brainstem
What is the function of the superior colliculi? (1)
Head and eye tracking movements
What is the role of the olives? (1)
Input to the cerebellum
Give two outputs of the midbrain tegmentum. (2)
- Extrapyramidal tracts
- Basal ganglia
Describe the reticular formation, including its location. (2)
Ill-defined collection of inter-mingled neurones.
It spans the length of the brainstem.
What is the role of the reticular formation? (1)
Controls consciousness, alertness, and sleep via the ascending reticular activating system.
Name the three approximate groups of nuclei in the reticular formation, and their relative locations. (6)
- Raphe (median)
- Magnocellular (medial)
- Parvocellular (lateral)
Which neurotransmitter do the raphe nuclei of the reticular formation produce? (1)
Serotonin
What is the function of the tectospinal tract? (1)
Head and neck orientation to visual stimuli
Describe the lateralisation of the tectospinal tract. (1)
Innervates contralaterally
Name the original input/s to the tectospinal tract.
Visual cortex and retina
Where does the tectospinal tract originate? (1)
Superior colliculus (midbrain)
Where does the tectospinal tract decussate? (1)
In midbrain (quickly after it starts)
In roughly which area of the brainstem and spinal cord does the tectospinal tract descend? (1)
Medially
Where does the tectospinal tract terminate? (1)
Upper cervical levels of the spinal cord
Name cranial nerve I. (1)
Olfactory nerve
Is cranial nerve I sensory, motor, parasympathetic, or a mix? (1)
Sensory
What is the role of CNI? (1)
Sense of smell
Name CNII. (2)
Optic nerve
Is CNII sensory, motor, parasympathetic, or a mix? (1)
Sensory
What is the role of CNII? (1)
Vision from the retina
Name CNIII. (1)
Oculomotor
Is CNIII sensory, motor, parasympathetic, or a mix? (1)
Motor and parasympathetic
Describe the motor functions of CNIII. (5)
- Medial rectus (eye movements)
- Superior rectus (eye movements)
- Inferior rectus (eye movements)
- Inferior oblique (eye movements)
- Levator palpabrae superioris (lifting eyelid)
Describe the parasympathetic function of CNIII. (2)
Pupil constriction
via sphincter pupillae and ciliary muscles
Name CNIV. (1)
Trochlear
Is CNIV sensory, motor, parasympathetic, or a mix? (1)
Motor
What is the function of CNIV? (1)
Rotates eye (superior oblique)
Name CNVI. (1)
Abducens
Is CNVI sensory, motor, parasympathetic, or a mix? (1)
Motor
Give the role of CNVI. (1)
Abducts eye (lateral rectus)
Name CNV. (1)
Trigeminal
Is CNV sensory, motor, parasympathetic, or a mix? (1)
Sensory and motor
What is the sensory function of CNV? (1)
Sensation from face
What is the motor function of CNV? (1)
Muscles of mastication
Are the cranial nerves considered part of the central or peripheral nervous system? (1)
Peripheral
Name CNVII. (1)
Facial
Is CNVII sensory, motor, parasympathetic, or a mix? (1)
Sensory, motor, and parasympathetic
Give the sensory functions of CNVII. (2)
- Taste from anterior 2/3 of tongue
- Skin behind ear
What is the motor function of CNVII? (1)
Muscles of facial expression
What is the parasympathetic function of CNVII? (1)
Salivary glands (except parotid)
Name CNVIII. (1)
Vestibulocochlear
Is CNVIII sensory, motor, parasympathetic, or a mix? (1)
Sensory
What is the function of CNVIII? (1)
Hearing and balance
Name CNIX. (1)
Glossopharyngeal
Is CNIX sensory, motor, parasympathetic, or a mix? (1)
Sensory, motor, and parasympathetic
What is the sensory function of CNIX? (1)
Taste from posterior 1/3 of tongue
What is the motor function of CNIX? (1)
Pharynx (stylopharyngeus muscle)
What is the parasympathetic function of CNIX? (1)
Salivation (parotid gland)
Name CNX. (1)
Vagus
Is CNX sensory, motor, parasympathetic, or a mix? (1)
Sensory, motor, and parasympathetic
What are the sensory functions of CNX? (2)
- Sensation from pharynx and palate
- Taste from epiglottis
What is the motor function of CNX? (1)
Soft palate and larynx
What is the parasympathetic function of CNX? (1)
Thoracic and abdominal viscera/organs
Name CNXI. (1)
Accessory
Is CNXI sensory, motor, parasympathetic, or a mix? (1)
Motor
What are the functions of CNXI and what muscles does it innervate? (4)
- Turn head (sternocleidomastoid)
- Shrug shoulders (trapezius)
Name CNXII. (1)
Hypoglossal
Is CNXII sensory, motor, parasympathetic, or a mix? (1)
Motor
What is the function of CNXII? (1)
Tongue movements
If there was a lesion in CNXII, what clinical sign would be seen? (1)
Tongue deviates towards damaged side
Which is the only cranial nerve to originate on the dorsal side of the brainstem? (1)
CNIV
Which cranial nerves/parts of cranial nerves does the salivatory nucleus contain? (1)
Parasympathetic parts of:
- Facial CNVII
- Glossopharyngeal IX
Which cranial nerves/parts of cranial nerves does the nucleus ambiguus contain? (1)
Motor parts of:
- glossopharyngeal CNIX
- Vagus CNX
What is the role of the dorsal motor nucleus in the brainstem? (1)
Parasympathetic nucleus of the vagus nerve
Which cranial nerves/parts of cranial nerves does the solitary nucleus contain? (1)
Sensation from:
- Facial VII
- Glossopharyngeal IX
- Vagus X
Which cranial nerves/parts of cranial nerves does the spinal trigeminal nucleus contain? (1)
Sensation from:
- Trigeminal V
- Facial VII
- Glossopharyngeal IX
- Vagus X
Give three functions of the cerebellum. (3)
- Equilibrium (balance)
- Posture
- Dynamic coordination and synchronisation of muscles
Complete the sentence… (2)
The cerebellum stores …………… and compares them with actual movement, then feeds back to the ………………
Motor plans
Cortex
Name the three STRUCTURAL divisions of the cerebellum. (3)
- Anterior lobe
- Posterior lobe
- Flocculonodular lobe
Which is the largest lobe of the cerebellum? (1)
Posterior lobe
Name the fissure of the cerebellum which separates the anterior and posterior lobes. (1)
Primary fissure
Name the fissure of the cerebellum which separates the posterior lobe and the flocculonodular lobes. (1)
Posterolateral fissure
Name the part of the cerebellum which lies medially and joins the hemispheres. (1)
Vermis
Describe the three components of the flocculonodular lobe of the cerebellum. (3)
Nodulus in the middle
Flocculus on either side
The superior cerebellar peduncle connects the cerebellum with which part of the brain? (1)
Midbrain
The middle cerebellar peduncle connects the cerebellum with which part of the brain? (1)
Pons
The inferior cerebellar peduncle connects the cerebellum with which part of the brain? (1)
Medulla
Name the three FUNCTIONAL divisions of the cerebellum. (3)
- Vermis/intermediate zone
- Lateral hemispheres
- Flocculonodular lobe
What is the role of the deep cerebellar nuclei? (1)
Output pathways of the basal ganglia
Name the three deep cerebellar nuclei. (3)
- Fastigial
- Dentate
- Interposed
The spinocerebellum is composed of which functional zone of the cerebellum? (1)
Vermis/intermediate zone
The cerebrocerebellum is composed of which functional zone of the cerebellum? (1)
Lateral hemispheres
The vestibulocerebellum is composed of which functional zone of the cerebellum? (1)
Flocculonodular lobe
How many layers of cortex does the cerebellum have? (1)
3
Name the cortical layers of the cerebellum from outer to inner. (3)
- Molecular
- Purkinje
- Granular
Describe the cells seen in the granular layer of the cerebellar cortex. (1)
Dense granular cells
Describe the cells seen in the purkinje layer of the cerebellar cortex. (1)
Single layer of purkinje cells
Describe the elements that would be seen in the molecular layer of the cerebellar cortex. (3)
- Interneurones
- Granular axons
- Purkinje dendrites
Which layer of the cerebellar cortex receives input? (1)
Granular layer
Which layer of the cerebellar cortex gives output, and where to? (2)
Purkinje cells give output to cerebellar nuclei.
Describe the axons of granular cells in the molecular layer of the cerebellar cortex. (1)
Parallel fibres
Describe a simple typical pathway of input to output in the cerebellum. (5)
Input to granular cells
Axons ascend to molecular layer
Granular axons synapse on purkinje dendrites in molecular layer
Purkinje cells project to deep cerebellar nuclei
Output from cerebellar nuclei
Describe the function of mossy cells in the cerebellum. (2)
Carry signals from spinal cord and brainstem
to granular cells.
Describe the ratio of mossy fibres : granular cells in the cerebellar cortex. (1)
One mossy fibre : many granular cells
Describe the role of climbing fibres in the cerebellum. (2)
Carry signals from olives
to purkinje cells.
Describe the ratio of climbing fibres and purkinje cells in the cerebellum. (2)
Each purkinje cell receives input from one climbing fibre.
Each climbing fibre can innervate many purkinje cells.
Which deep cerebellar nuclei are most medial? (1)
Fastigial
Which deep cerebellar nuclei are the largest? (1)
Dentate
Give the input and output of the vestibulocerebellar pathway. (3)
INPUT:
Vestibulocochlear nerve
OUTPUTS:
Vestibulospinal tract
Reticulospinal tract
What is the role of the vestibulocerebellar pathway? (2)
Receives proprioceptive information
and mediates posture, balance, and head movements.
Describe the vestibulocerebellar pathway. (9)
- Vestibulocochlear nerve
- Vestibulocochlear nuclei
- Vestibulocerebellar fibres
- Granule cells of the flocculonodular lobe
- Purkinje cells
- Fastigial nucleus
- Fastigial fibres
- Reticular formation and vestibulocochlear nuclei
- Vestibulospinal and reticulospinal tracts
What is the origin of the vestibulospinal tract? (1)
Vestibulocochlear nuclei
Where does the medial vestibulospinal tract decussate? (1)
It doesn’t - it descends and innervates bilaterally
Where does the medial vestibulospinal tract synapse? (1)
Cervical spinal cord
Describe the laterality of the lateral vestibulospinal tract. (1)
Innervates ipsilaterally
Where does the lateral vestibulospinal tract synapse? (1)
Along the length of the spinal cord.
Which division of the vestibulospinal tract maintains balance and posture via extensor and antigravity muscles? (1)
Lateral
Which division of the vestibulospinal tract maintains head and neck position? (1)
Medial
Where does the reticulospinal tract originate? (1)
Reticular formation of pons and medulla
Describe the laterality of the reticulospinal tract. (1)
Mostly innervates ipsilaterally
Where do the medial and lateral reticulospinal tracts synapse? (1)
Throughout the spinal cord
What is the role of the reticulospinal tract? (1)
To assist the vestibulospinal tract in controlling extensor muscles.
Give the input and output of the cerebrocerebellar pathway. (3)
INPUT
Cortex (via Pontine nuclei)
OUTPUT
Rubrospinal tract
Cortex
What is the function of the cerebrocerebellar pathway? (1)
Force, planning and timing of movement
Describe the cerebrocerebellar pathway. (9)
- Corticopontine fibres
- Pontine nuclei
- Pontocerebellar fibres
- Granule cells of lateral hemisphere
- Purkinje cells
- Dentate nucleus
- Dentatorubrothalamic fibres
- Red nucleus and thalamus
- Rubrospinal tract and thalamocortical fibres
Where does the rubrospinal tract originate? (1)
Red nucleus (midbrain)
Where does the rubrospinal tract decussate? (1)
Midbrain (decussates quickly after origin)
In which area of the brainstem/spinalcord does the rubrospinal tract descend? (1)
Laterally, alongside corticospinal tract
Describe the laterality of the rubrospinal tract. (1)
Innervates contralaterally
Describe the function of the rubrospinal tract and how it carries out its function. (2)
- Assists corticospinal tract by adjusting flexor muscles (primarily of upper limbs)
- Does this by receiving collaterals from the corticospinal tract
Give the input and output of the spinocerebellar pathway. (2)
INPUT
spinocerebellar tracts
OUTPUT
rubrospinal tract
cortex
What is the function of the spinocerebellar tract? (1)
Coordination of limb movement and gait
Describe the spinocerebellar Pathway. (9)
- Sensory neurones
- Dorsal horn
- Spinocerebellar tracts (mossy fibres)
- Granule cells of the vermis and intermediate zones
- Purkinje cells
- Interposed nuclei
- Interpositionorubrothalamic fibres
- Thalamus and red nucleus
- Cortex and rubrospinal tract
There are two divisions of the spinocerebellar tract (ventral and dorsal).
The ventral spinocerebellar tract communicates with the cerebellum via which peduncle? (1)
Superior cerebellar peduncle
There are two divisions of the spinocerebellar tract (ventral and dorsal).
The dorsal spinocerebellar tract communicates with the cerebellum via which peduncle? (1)
Inferior cerebellar peduncle
Which of the three cerebellar pathways use mossy fibres?
Spinocerebellum
The spinothalamic tract conveys information from which type/s of sensory fibres?
A delta and C
Which sensory modalities does the DCML pathway convey? (3)
- Fine touch
- Vibration
- Proprioception
Name the two fasciculi which together make up the dorsal columns. (1)
- Fasciculus cuneatus
- Fasciculus gracilis
Are the neurones which make up the dorsal columns first, second, or third order neurones? (1)
First
Describe the relative location of the fasciculus cuneatus. (1)
Lateral
Does the fasciculus cuneatus carry signals from the upper or lower limbs? (1)
Upper
Describe the relative location of the fasciculus gracilis. (1)
Medial
Does the fasciculus gracilis carry signals from the upper or lower limbs? (1)
Lower
Where do the first order neurones of the DCML pathway first synapse? (1)
Nucleus cuneatus or nucleus gracilis of the medulla.
Where does the DCML pathway decussate? (1)
Medulla (just after synapsing)
Where does the DCML pathway project to after synapsing in the medulla, and how does it get there? (2)
Projects to thalamus
via the medial lemnisci.
Where does the DCML pathway end? (1)
Primary somatosensory cortex
Name two mechanoreceptors which are located towards the surface of the skin. (2)
Merkel’s disks
Meissner’s corpuscles
Name two mechanoreceptors which are located deep in the dermis. (2)
Pacinian corpuscles
Ruffini’s endings
Which type of mechanoreceptor is responsible for detecting pain? (1)
Free nerve endings
What sensory modality do Ruffini’s endings detect? (1)
Stretching of the skin
What sensory modalities do Meissner’s corpuscles detect? (2)
Touch
Pressure
What sensory modalities do Pacinian corpuscles detect? (2)
Deep pressure
Vibration
Which sensory modalities do Merkel’s disks detect? (2)
Touch
Pressure
Ruffini’s endings, Pacinian corpuscles, Merkel’s disks, and Meissner’s corpuscles all send information to the spinal cord via which type of sensory fibre? (1)
A beta
Complete the sentence… (1)
Adaptation describes a mechanoreceptor’s response to ………………………
An ongoing stimulus
Give two mechanoreceptors which have small receptive fields. (2)
Meissner’s corpuscles
Merkel’s disks
Give two mechanoreceptors which have large receptive fields. (2)
Pacinian corpuscle
Ruffini’s ending
Name two mechanoreceptors which are rapidly adapting. (2)
Meissner’s corpuscle
Pacinian corpuscle
Name two mechanoreceptors which are slowly adapting. (2)
Merkel’s disk
Ruffini’s ending
Describe the firing pattern of rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors. (1)
Stop firing quickly after stimulus onset
Describe the firing pattern of slowly adapting mechanoreceptors. (1)
Continue firing for a period after stimulus onset
Give the three types of nociceptor and the sensory fibres that they are associated with. (6)
Thermal - A delta fibres
Mechanical - A delta fibres
Polymodal - C fibres
What types of stimulus can activate polymodal nociceptors? (3)
Mechanical
Thermal
Chemical
Nociceptors are activated by which type of ion channels? (1)
TRP (transient receptor potential) channels
How do TRP channels lead to nociceptor activation? (1)
Influx of calcium
Give four inputs to the brainstem which may trigger vomiting. (4)
- Cerebral cortex
- Vestibular system
- Blood toxins
- Stomach / GI system
Give six areas of the brainstem which are involved in vomiting. (6)
- Area postrema
- Respiratory groups
- Dorsal motor nuclei
- Vomiting centre
- Solitary nucleus
- Salivatory nucleus