Cerebellum and The brainstem: Medulla, Pons and Midbrain

Question 1

What are the main parts of the brainstem? In order from the one most superior

Answer 1

Midbrain (mesencephalon)
Pons
Medulla

Question 2

Function of the midbrain?

Answer 2

The midbrain serves important functions in motor movement, particularly movements of the eye, and in auditory and visual processing

Question 3

Function of the Pons?

Answer 3

The main connection between the forebrain and cerebellum.
Contains nuclei that deal primarily with sleep, respiration, swallowing, bladder control, hearing, balance, taste, eye movement, facial expressions, facial sensation, and posture.
Responsible for generating REM sleep.

Question 4

Function of the medulla?

Answer 4

Controls vital functions as a center for respiration and circulation, controlling the heart and blood vessel function and regulate breathing. Also controls digestion, sneezing and swallowing.
Sensory and motor neurons (nerve cells) from the forebrain and midbrain travel through the medulla.

Question 5

What happens if this part is damaged?

Answer 5

Damage in this area is life threatening, mostly because it controls breathing and states of consciousness, ie sleep and wakefulness.

Question 6

Location of cerebellum

Answer 6

Clings to the brainstem in level with the pons.

Question 7

Functions of the cerebellum?

Answer 7

Receives information about motor outputs and sensory inputs describing body position, and then regulates motor movements.
Coordinates balance, posture, coordination, auditory and visual inputs resulting in smooth and balanced muscular activity.
Critical for maintaining posture, walking and performing coordinated movements. Does not directly control movements, instead it integrates information about the body(body consciousness)
Modifies motor outflow to effect smooth and coordinated movements.