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Anatomy > Medulla > Flashcards

Medulla Flashcards

1
Q

Where is the medulla located?

A

Between the pons and the spinal cord.

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2
Q

What is the length of the medulla?

A

Approximately 3 cm.

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3
Q

What cavity does the dorsal medulla form part of?

A

The floor of the fourth ventricle.

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4
Q

At what level does the medulla transition to the spinal cord?

A

At the foramen magnum.

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5
Q

What is the primary function of the medulla?

A

Regulates autonomic functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

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6
Q

Which cranial nerves are associated with the medulla?

A

Cranial nerves IX, X, XI, and XII.

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7
Q

What arteries supply blood to the medulla?

A

Anterior spinal artery, vertebral arteries, and posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA).

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8
Q

What happens when the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) is occluded?

A

Lateral medullary syndrome (Wallenberg syndrome) occurs.

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9
Q

Which autonomic centres are located in the medulla?

A

The cardiac, respiratory, and vasomotor centres.

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10
Q

What is the clinical significance of the pyramidal decussation in the medulla?

A

It is the site where corticospinal tracts cross, leading to contralateral motor control.

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11
Q

What are the pyramids on the anterior surface of the medulla?

A

Longitudinal ridges formed by corticospinal tracts.

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12
Q

What is the olive on the ventrolateral surface of the medulla?

A

A bulge formed by the inferior olivary nucleus.

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13
Q

What structure lies in the midline of the ventral medulla?

A

The anterior median fissure.

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14
Q

What is the pyramidal decussation?

A

The crossing of corticospinal tracts at the lower medulla.

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15
Q

What are the gracile and cuneate tubercles on the dorsal medulla?

A

Elevations formed by the underlying gracile and cuneate nuclei.

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16
Q

Where are the inferior cerebellar peduncles located?

A

On the dorsal-lateral aspect of the medulla.

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17
Q

What separates the medulla from the pons?

A

The inferior pontine sulcus.

18
Q

What groove is located between the pyramids and the olives?

A

The preolivary sulcus.

19
Q

Which cranial nerve emerges from the preolivary sulcus?

A

The hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII).

20
Q

What groove lies posterior to the olives?

A

The postolivary sulcus.

21
Q

Which cranial nerves emerge from the postolivary sulcus?

A

Cranial nerves IX, X, and XI.

22
Q

What is the role of the posterior median sulcus?

A

Divides the medulla’s dorsal surface into two symmetrical halves.

23
Q

What structure is found on the dorsal medulla near the fourth ventricle?

A

The obex.

24
Q

What does the posterior surface of the medulla form?

A

The floor of the fourth ventricle.

25
Q

What are the features of the dorsal medulla related to sensory processing?

A

Gracile and cuneate tubercles process fine touch and proprioception.

26
Q

What nuclei are found in the dorsal medulla?

A

Gracile and cuneate nuclei.

27
Q

What is the medial lemniscus?

A

A pathway transmitting fine touch and proprioception to the thalamus.

28
Q

What is the role of the hypoglossal nucleus in the medulla?

A

Controls tongue movements.

29
Q

Which nucleus controls parasympathetic output to the thoracic and abdominal viscera?

A

The dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve.

30
Q

What is the function of the nucleus ambiguus?

A

Controls muscles of the pharynx and larynx via cranial nerves IX and X.

31
Q

Which nucleus processes pain and temperature sensations from the face?

A

The spinal trigeminal nucleus.

32
Q

What is the reticular formation in the medulla?

A

A network involved in autonomic regulation and consciousness.

33
Q

What is the inferior olivary nucleus, and what does it do?

A

A relay centre for motor coordination to the cerebellum.

34
Q

Which tract carries pain and temperature sensations through the medulla?

A

The spinothalamic tract.

35
Q

What happens to the corticospinal tracts in the lower medulla?

A

They decussate to the opposite side.

36
Q

What cranial nerve nucleus controls swallowing and vocalisation?

A

The nucleus ambiguus.

37
Q

What is the solitary nucleus, and what does it process?

A

It processes taste and visceral sensations.

38
Q

Which autonomic centres are housed within the medulla?

A

Cardiac, vasomotor, and respiratory centres.

39
Q

What is the role of the vestibular nuclei in the medulla?

A

Maintains balance and equilibrium.

40
Q

Which tract passes through the medial part of the medulla?

A

The corticospinal tract.

Anatomy (2 decks)

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