Cranial Nerves Flashcards
What passes through the brainstem?
All ascending and descending pathways pass though the brainstem
What nuclei is in the brainstem?
Contains nuclei of 9 of the 12 pairs of cranial nerves: III to XII (except XI)
How is the cerebellum connected to the brainstem?
Cerebellum connected to brainstem by 3 cerebellar peduncles (white fibre tracts)
What happens in the brainstem?
Cerebellum connected to brainstem by 3 cerebellar peduncles (white fibre tracts)
What is the medulla?
Rostral continuation of spinal cord
What is on the anterior surface of the medulla?
pyramids (descending tracts)
What does the posterior surface have?
dorsal columns
What is the posterior surface divided into?
Open and closed
What does the closed part of the medulla have?
extension of central canal of spinal cord
What does the canal widen to?
Canal widens to form 4th ventricle in open medulla
Where does the CNS blood supply come from?
CNS blood supply comes from 2 arterial systems:
anterior and posterior
Anterior is derived from
Posterior is derived from
What are the efferent and afferent functions of the cranial nerves?
- general somatic efferent (GSE)
- general visceral efferent (GVE)
- general visceral efferent (parasympathetic)
- general somatic afferent (GSA)
- general visceral afferent (GVA)
- special visceral efferent (SVE)
- special somatic afferent (SSA)
What is the brainstem composed of?
midbrain, pons and medulla
What is the general internal structure of brainstem?
composed of tectum, ventricles, tegmentum and base
What does the posterior aspect of midbrain have?
pineal gland, colliculi, dorsal columns