Medulla Oblongata Flashcards
What is the structure that connects the spinal cord, the cerebrum, and the cerebellum, and is where the majority of the cranial nerve nuclei and tracts originate?
the brainstem
What are the three main components of the brainstem?
1.) Medulla oblongata
2.) Pons
3.) Midbrain
Which cranial nerves emerge from the brainstem?
CN III-XII
Which structure Regulates life-sustaining functions such as breathing, and heart rate. It is also Important relay point between the spinal cord and the brain.
Medulla
What are the external features of the medulla?
1.) Pyramids
2.) Olives
3.) Anterior fissure
4.) Ventrolateral and posteriolateral sulci
Which cranial nerves originate in the medulla?
1.) CN IX – sensory and motor nuclei of glossopharyngeal (B)
2.) CN X – sensory and motor nuclei of vagus (B)
3.) CN XI – accessory (M)
4.) CN XII – hypoglossal (M)
Horizontally, the medulla is divided into 2 regions:
1.) Caudal
2.) Rostral
Which region of the medulla is “closed medulla”. It is also nearest to the spinal cord, it contains a central canal in the medial region
caudal
Which region of the medulla is known as “open medulla” and is closest to the pons?
Rostral
Which ventricle’s “opening” is found dorsally?
fourth ventricle
The medulla is mostly formed by _____________ from and to the spinal cord, which convey _________ and __________ information from and to the brain.
tracts
sensory and motor
The medulla also contains some individual __________ of neurons that make synapses with sensory and motor tracts. These are relay points for sensory and motor functions.
nuclei
The medulla carries all ___________________ and _______________ tracts
from and to the spinal cord
ascending (sensory)
descending (motor)
The ________________ descending tracts become the medullar pyramid.
corticospinal
