export_brainstem Flashcards
The midbrain is comprised of what structures?
The tectum, tegmentum and crus cerebri
What are the structures found in the midbrain at the level of the superior colliculus?
- Superior colliculus
- Oculomotor nucleus
- Red nucleus
- Superior cerebellar peduncle
- Substantia nigra
Unilateral damage to the superior colliculus produces:
Contralateral visual field neglect.
Impaired tracking, but with no deficit in eye movements.
Stimulation of the superior colliculus produces what?
Contralateral conjugate deviation
- Stimulates rostral interstitial nucleus of the MLF to excite the ipsilateral 3rd cranial nerve.
- Contralateral CN 6 via the PPRF
Input to the superior colliculus
- Contralateral retina
- Cortex - frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital
- Brainstem nuclei
- Spinal cord
Output of the superior colliculus
Parabigeminal nucleus
Pulvinar
LBG
PPRF
RiMLF - rostral interstitial nucleus of the MLF
Reticular formation
Spinal cord
What are the three portions of the oculomotor nucleus.
- Lateral part
- Medial part
- Central part
Lateral portion of the CN3 nucleus
Ipsilateral cell columns for inferior rectus, inferior oblique, and medial rectus muscles
Medial part of the CN 3 nucleus
Contralateral cell columns for the superior rectus muscle
Central part of the CN 3 nucleus
Cell columns for the levator palpebrae superioris and the Edinger-Westphal nucleus.
Input to the CN3 nucleus
Nucleus of Cajal
Contralateral abducens nucleus
Perihypoglossal nucleus
RiMLF
Pretectal olivary nucleus
Flocculus via the nucleus prepositus to control vertical eye movements.
The PPRF projects to
The abducens nucleus (conjugate horizontal gaze center) and the RiMLF (conjugate vertical gaze center)
The RiMLF input and output
Input: Superior vestibular nucleus and PPRF
Output: Oculomotor complex/inferior rectus portion.
Role of the interstitial nucleus of Cajal
Function: vertical eye movements, pursuit, head movements and posture.
Input: Superior and medial vestibular nuclei, pretectum, FEF and fastigial nuclei.
Output: Ipsilateral medial vestibular nuclei and spinal cord. Trochlear nuclei. Contralateral oculomotor nuclei.
What are the subcommissural organs
Modified ependymal cells in the aqueduct below the posterior commissure which lack a BBB.
What is the posterior commissure
White matter tract which lies posterior to the aqueduct at the junction of the midbrain/diencephalon. It is involved with the light reflex. Contains fibers from the pretectal nuclei, nucleus of the posterior commissure, interstitial nuclei and Darkshevich’s nucleus.
Nuclei in the pretectal region are involved with..
Pupillary light reflexes.
Role of the inferior colliculus
The inferior colliculus is responsible for the tonotopic organization of auditory information and projects via the brachium of the inferior colliculus to the MGB.
Key structures in the midbrain at the level of the inferior colliculus include
- Inferior colliculus
- Parabigeminal area
- Periaqueductal gray
- Interpeduncular nucleus
Role of the parabigeminal area
Connects to the visual system via the superior colliculus.
Located ventrolateral to the inferior colliculus.
Components of the periaqueductal gray
- Mesencephalic nucleus of 5.
- Locus ceruleus
- Ventral and dorsal tegmental nuclei
- Dorsal nucleus of the raphe
- Medial nucleus of the raphe
Function and connections of the periaqueductal gray
Function: Central analgesia, vocalization, control of reproductive behavior, aggressive behavior and upward gaze.
Connections: Hypothalamus, spinal cord, locus ceruleus, raphe nucleus, reticular formation.