Medulla Oblongata Flashcards
What is the medulla?
Lowest part of the brain stem
Which structures does the medulla connect?
Pons and spinal cord
What happens at the upper part of the medulla?
Central canal expands into 4th ventricle
Functions of the medulla
Contains cranial nerves concerned with vital functions
Pathway for ascending and descending tracts
Anterior surface external features
Anterior Median Fissure
Pyramid
Olive
Inferior Cerebellar Peduncle
Anterolateral Groove
Posterolateral Groove
Anterior Surface
Purpose of Anterior Median Fissure
Divides medulla into 2 halves
Anterior Surface
Pyramid Location
Swelling lateral to anterior median fissure
Anterior Surface
Pyramid contains …
… corticospinal fibers
Anterior Surface
Olive Location
Swelling lateral to pyramid
Anterior Surface
Olive is produced by …
… olivary nucleus
Anterior Surface
Inferior Cerebellar Peduncle Location
Lies posterior to olive
Anterior Surface
Inferior Cerebellar Peduncle connects …
… medulla and cerebellum
Anterior Surface
Anterolateral Groove Location
Lies between pyramid and olive
Anterior Surface
Anterolateral groove contains …
… hypoglossal nerve
Anterior Surface
Posterolateral Groove Location
Between olive and inferior cerebellar peduncle
Anterior Surface
Posterolateral Groove contains …
… glossopharyngeal, vagus and accessory nerves