Chp 13.4-13.7 Pons, Medulla, Diencephalon, Cerebellum, Midbrain Flashcards
2 major features of medulla oblongata
olive and pyramids
Pyramids
contain tracts of motor fibers that originate in cerebral cortex
3 components of medulla oblongata
autonomic centers, relay stations, nuclei associated with five cranial nerves
olive
prominent olive-shaped bulge that follows the contours of the olivary nucleus
medulla oblongata
all communication passes through here, contains ascending (sensory) and descending (motor) tracts
ascending tracts
sensory
descending tracts
motor
autonomic centers
control vital functions
relay stations
located along sensory and motor pathways
pons
links the cerebellum with midbrain, diencephalon, cerebrum, medulla oblongata, spinal cord
3 parts of pons
ascending and descending tracts, respiratory centers, reticular formation
reticular formation
loosely organized mass of gray matter, contains nuclei that regulate autonomic functions, extends from the medulla to midbrain
two primary functions of cerebellum
adjusting the postural muscles of the body
programming and fine-tuning movements controlled at the conscious and subconscious levels
ataxia
result from trauma or stroke or drugs or alcohol
damage to cerebellum
affects muscle coordination
cerebellum
automatic processing center
monitors proprioceptive, visual, tactile, balance, auditory sensations
cerebellum anatomy
large anterior and posterior lobes
two hemispheres
covered by cerebellar cortex
primary fissure
separates anterior and posterior lobes
vermis
separates two hemipsheres
it is a narrow band of cortex
cerebellar cortex
thin layer of gray matter folia less prominent than cerebral folds inner granular layer outer molecular layer arbor vitae cerebellar penduncles
folia (leaves)
folds of the surface of cerebeller cortex
outer molecular layer of cerebellar cortex
purkinje cells
receive input from 200,00 synapses (more than any other type of cell in brain)
relay motor commands
only axons leave the cortex are purkinje cells
arbor vitae
“tree of life”
branching array of white matter of the cerebellum