Medulla Oblongata Flashcards
Where is the Medulla Oblongata located?
Most inferior part of the brain stem, blends into spinal cord at the foramen magnum
The Medulla Oblongata also includes _____?
The choroid plexus of the fourth ventricle
What are the Pyramids?
Two longitudinal ridges formed by corticospinal tracts (descending motor)
What are the Decussation of the pyramids?
The crossover points of the corticospinal tracts (output from primary motor cortex)
What comprises the Medullary Nuclei?
The Inferior olivary nuclei, the Medial Lemniscus, the Cardiovascular control centers, and the respiratory centers
Describe inferior olivary nuclei
Gray matter that relays muscle and joint stretch information to cerebellum.
Also includes assorted nuclei associated with auditory and vestibular relays
Describe Medial Leminiscus
Tracts associated with ascending somatic sensory input (e.g., touch, pressure)
Describe Cardiovascular control centers
Adjusts rate and force of heart contraction
Describe the Respiratory centers
Controls rate and depth of deep breathing
- additional centers: regulate vomiting, hiccuping, swallowing, coughing, sneezing
