Cross sections through brainstem

Question 1

At the level of the inferior coliculus: (from dorsal to ventral)
- 10 structures

Answer 1

1. Cerebral aqueduct
2. Inferior Colliculus
3. Lateral lemniscus
4. Mesencephalic nucleus of trigeminal nerve
5. Trochlear nucleus
6. Medial lemniscus
7. Decussation of superior cerebellar peduncle
8. Rubrospinal tract
9. Substantia nigra
10. Crus cerebri

Question 2

At the level of the superior colliculus: (from dorsal to ventral)
- 9 structures

Answer 2

1. Pretectal nucleus
2. Mesecephalic nucleus of trigeminal nerve
3. Oculumotor nucleus
4. Lateral spinothalamic and spinotectal tracts
5. Trigeminal lemniscus
6. Medial lemniscus
7. Red nucleus
8. Substantia nigra
9. Corticospinal fibres

Question 3

At the level of the lower pons: (from dorsal to ventral):

- 10 structures

Answer 3

1. Dorsal cochlear nucleus
2. Inferior cerebellar peduncle
3. Ventral cochlear nucleus
4. Abducens nucleus
5. Facial nucleus
6. Superior olivary nucleus
7. Medial lemniscus
8. Trapezioid body and nucleus
9. Pontine nuclei
10. CST and corticonuclear fibres

Question 4

At the level of the mid pons (from dorsal to ventral)

- 10 structures

Answer 4

1. Superior cerebellar peduncle
2. Spinothalamic tract
3. Principal sensory nucleus of trigeminal nerve
4. Motor nucleus of trigeminal nerve
5. Medial longitudinal fasciculus
6. Medial lemniscus
7. Middle cerebellar peduncle
8. Trigeminal nerve
9. Pontine nuclei & pontine cerebellar fibres
10. CST and corticopontine fibres

Question 5

At the level of the upper pons (from dorsal to ventral)

Answer 5

1. Fourth ventricle
2. Superior cerebellar peduncle
3. Ventral spinocerebellar tract
4. Principal sensory nucleus of trigeminal nerve
5. Motor nucleus of trigeminal nerve
6. Superior olivary nucleus
7. Medial lemniscus
8. Trapezioid body
9. CST and corticonuclear fibres
10. Pontine nuclei

Question 6

At the level of the inferior olivary nuclei/ open medulla (from dorsal to ventral):
- 9 structures

Answer 6

1. Inferior cerebellar peduncle
2. Dorsal vagus nucleus
3. Solitary tract nucleus
4. Hypoglossal nucleus
5. Nucleus amibguus
6. Inferior olivary nucleus
7. Medial lemniscus
8. Pyramid
9. Arcuate nucleus

Question 7

At the upper level of the closed medulla (dorsal to ventral):
- 12 structures

Answer 7

1. Nucleus gracillis
2. Nucleus cuneatus
3. Accessory cuneate nucleus
4. Nucleus of solitary tract
5. Dorsal motor nucleus of vagus
6. Hypoglossal nucleus
7. Nucleus ambiguus
8. Rubrospinal tract
9. Dorsal spinocerebellar tract
10. Ventral spinocerebellar tract
11. Pyramid
12. Arcuate nucleus

Question 8

Which 5 tracts can be seen in the level of the upper closed medulla?

Answer 8

Solitary tract nucleus, Rubrospinal tract, Dorsal and Ventral spinocerebellar tract, CST in pyramid

Question 9

At the lower level of the closed medulla (dorsal to ventral):
- 12 structures

Answer 9

1. Fasciculus gracilis
2. Fasciculus cuneatus
3. Spinal tract of the trigeminal nerve
4. Spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve
5. Rubrospinal tract
6. Reticular formation
7. Dorsal spinocerebellar tract
8. Ventral spinocerebellar tract
9. Vestibulospinal tract
10. Olivospinal tract
11. Decussation of pyramids
12. Pyramids