Lecture 6 : Brainstem

Question 1

What does the brain stem consist of?

Answer 1

Medulla oblongata, Pons, Midbrain

Question 2

Medulla Oblongata

Answer 2

Connects to the spinal cord and Pons, where we crossing over occurs called Decussation
- CONTROLS heart beat, diameter of blood vessels (regulates blood pressure), respiratory rate (phrenic nerve “diaphragm”), vomiting/coughing center

Question 3

Pons

Answer 3

Works WITH the medulla oblongata to control respiratory rate + depth (heaving breathing or light)

Question 4

Midbrain

Answer 4

Made of corpora quadrigemina (4 bodies), above Pons
- Superior Colliculi (2): visual reflexes (hand/eye movement)
- Inferior Colliculi (2): auditory reflex area, startle reflex

Question 5

What is B9?

Answer 5

During pregnancy mom MUST have B9 (folate)
- needed for DNA/RNA synthesis
- lacking B9 = anencephaly
~ Anencephaly: born without a brain ONLY brainstem, usually stillborn

Question 6

What does the Diencephalon consist of

Answer 6

Thalamus + Hypothalamus (above the brain stem)

Question 7

Thalamus

Answer 7

relay area involved with sensory impulses to cerebral cortex
- relays impulses between cerebrum and motor centers
- memory

Question 8

Hypothalamus

Answer 8

(below the thalamus) Regulates pituitary gland connected by the infundibulum
- endocrine gland (produces hormones ADH, oxytocin)
- regulates body temp
- hunger/full sensation
- water balance
- thirst
- wake/sleep cycles

Question 9

Functional Systems of the Brain:

Answer 9

: spread throughout the brain via a collection of neurons with specific function

1. Reticular Formation
2. Limbic System

Question 10

Functional Systems of the Brain:
[ Reticular Formation ]

Answer 10

1. Reticular Formation: aka “RAS” maintains alertness, skeletal + visceral muscle activity, Increase of RAS = alert + awake, Decrease of RAS = lose consciousness
   ~ Comatose: damages to RAS

Question 11

Functional Systems of the Brain:
[ Limbic System ]

Answer 11

2. Limbic System: connected to the hypothalamus + medulla oblongata
   - mediates emotional response
   - memory processing
   - ANS (autonomic nervous system)
   - overall emotional impact on your H.R, blood pressure, peristalsis (movement of food throughout GI tract), respiratory rate