Functional Neuroanatomy (FPOT, Brainstem, Cranial Nerves) vbnet Copy Edit Flashcards
What does the acronym FPOT stand for in brain anatomy?
Frontal, Parietal, Occipital, Temporal lobes.
What structure connects the brain to the spinal cord?
The medulla oblongata.
What is the foramen magnum?
The large opening in the base of the skull where the spinal cord passes through.
What brain structure lies just above the medulla?
The PONS.
What structure lies behind the brainstem and is involved in movement coordination?
The cerebellum.
What structures are visible when the brain is flipped over?
2 frontal lobes, 2 temporal lobes, PONS, medulla oblongata, cerebellum, spinal cord.
What are the four vital functions controlled by the medulla oblongata?
Respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tone.
What can happen if a subdural hematoma compresses the medulla?
It can cause fatal suffocation as vital functions are lost.
How do anticoagulants increase the danger of brain bleeding?
They prevent clotting, leading to more prolonged bleeding.
How many pairs of cranial nerves do humans have?
12 pairs.
What is cranial nerve 0 and what does it do?
The pheromone-related nerve; controls the vomeronasal organ (not functional in humans).
What does cranial nerve X (10), the vagus nerve, do?
It controls parasympathetic responses like heart rate and digestion.
What neurotransmitter does the vagus nerve release on the heart?
Acetylcholine (ACh).
What receptor does ACh bind to in the heart to lower heart rate?
Muscarinic receptor.
What is cranial nerve VII (7)?
The facial nerve; controls facial expressions.
What condition results from facial nerve dysfunction?
Bell’s Palsy.
What two muscles must contract for a true (Duchenne) smile?
Orbicularis oculi and zygomaticus major.
What part of the brain controls a genuine emotional smile?
The limbic system.
What is cranial nerve V (5)?
The trigeminal nerve; responsible for facial sensation.
What does lidocaine do when injected near the trigeminal nerve?
Blocks voltage-gated Na+ channels, stopping APs (anesthetic effect).
What is trigeminal neuralgia?
A condition of intense, random facial pain caused by nerve compression or damage.
What can cause chronic pain even after cutting a branch of the trigeminal nerve?
Long-term potentiation (LTP) at synapses — the brain has learned the pain.
Why is trigeminal neuralgia associated with high suicide risk?
Pain is intense, random, and often unrelievable — similar to seizures.
