C2. P2 Flashcards
What are the five Hindbrain functions?
Regulation of ANS functions, sensory nerve center, motor movement, sleep and dreaming, key connections
Explain Regulation of ANS functions
Regulation of Brainstem centers manage several autonomic nervous system (ANS) survival ANS Functions
functions (e.g., adjusting heart rate; breathing; blood pressure; pupil dilation)
Explain Sensory nerve center
Most cranial nerves are in the brainstem. Sensory information (e.g., facial sensations; sounds; tastes; balance) is carried here before going to the thalamus. Pain control is managed, in part, here
Explain motor movement
Cranial nerves also carry motor messages for parts of the face, mouth, and tongue, as well as some reflexes (e.g., gag reflex; cough; swallow) and involuntary eye-movements. Motor messages are also sent below the neck to help smooth movements
Explain sleep and dreaming
Helps Regulate sleep-wake cycle, the sleep cycle, and REM sleep. Several parts of the brainstem also prevent you from moving while you are dreaming.
Explain key connections
The Brainstem connects the brain to the spinal cord and connects several brain centers
How do the brainstem and thalamus work together?
The brainstem carries sensory information for many senses to the thalamus. It also sends motor signals down through the spinal cord and helps bring up sensory information from the spinal cord so it can be transferred to the appropriate places in the brain
Which structures make up the brainstem?
Medulla, the pons, and the midbrain
Where is the medulla located?
Where the spinal cord first enters the brain, the lowermost part
What does the medulla do?
The medulla plays a major role in regulating and adjusting heart rate, respiratory rate (i.e., breathing), and blood pressure
What is the decussation of the pyramids?
Where most of the nerves cross from the left side to the right side and vice versa. Reason for contralateral control
Where is the pons?
Above the medulla and below the midbrain
Where do cranial nerves originate?
The pons
What does pons mean?
Bridge
What is Locked-in syndrome?
The individual is fully alert and can move their eyes, but they have lost the ability to speak, move, chew, swallow, and make facial expressions. They can still move their eyes
Why is the pons called a bridge?
Connects various parts of the brain with each other, the spinal cord, and cranial nerves
Why don’t we move in our dreams?
The pons sends inhibitory signals which prevent muscle movement
Where is the midbrain?
Above the pons
Where do the nerves for audition connect?
The midbrain
Where do the nerves for vision connect?
The midbrain
Where do afferent auditory and visual nerves stop before being sent to the thalamus?
The midbrain
Why do the cerebellum and midbrain work together?
To smooth motor movements
Where are dopamine rich motor neurons?
Cerebellum
Your grandma’s hand has been shaking, she has been falling down a lot, and she can’t move her lips as well as she could, so you take her to the doctor. After some tests, the doctor believes she has Parkinson’s Disease. What can cause that?
Damage to motor neurons in the cerebellum
Your sister is very good at ballet. She can maintain her posture and make smooth, flowing motions during her dances, especially when she has to balance her legs. Where might your sister get these skills?
The cerebellum
One day you decide to play piano, but your fingers will not go where you want. You focus on playing the A major scale, and after some practice you go to bed. When you play the piano the next morning, you can play the A major scale noticeably faster. Why is this?
The cerebellum remembers the movements though procedural memory
