Introduction to the brainstem

Question 1

the central canal is seen in relation to which parts of the brainstem?

Answer 1

spinal cord and caudal “closed” medulla

Question 2

the 4th ventricle is seen in relation to which parts of the brainstem?

Answer 2

rostral “open” medulla and pons

Question 3

the cerebral aqueduct is seen in relation to which parts of the brainstem?

Answer 3

midbrain

Question 4

the brainstem nuclei, CN nuclei, and ascending / descending white matter tracts are found in which area of the brainstem?

Answer 4

tegmentum

Question 5

the corpora quadrigemini are found in which area of the brainstem?

Answer 5

tectum

Question 6

the medulla contains which CN?

Answer 6

IX, X, XII

Question 7

what are key features of the pons in cross-section?

Answer 7

4th ventricle, cerebellum, superior cerebellar peduncle

Question 8

the pons (pontine tegmentum) contains which CN?

Answer 8

V-VIII

Question 9

CN V-VIII are found where?

Answer 9

pontine tegmentum (pons)

Question 10

what makes up the cerebral peduncle? in which part of the brain is the cerebral peduncle found?

Answer 10

1. crus cerebri (anteriorly) and substantia nigra 2. midbrain

Question 11

CN III and IV are found where?

Answer 11

tegmentum of the midbrain

Question 12

what are the key features of the midbrain in cross-section?

Answer 12

cerebral aqueduct, red nucleus located in rostral regions of the midbrain tegmentum, decussation of superior cerebellar peduncle (caudal regions of midbrain tegmentum)