Midbrain

Question 1

Superior cerebral peduncle

Answer 1

Directly anterior to superior aqueduct. Composed of efferent or motor nerve fibers that travel from the motor areas of the cerebral cortex down to the brain stem and eventually the spinal cord. Major pyramidal tract.

Question 2

Pyramidal Tract

Answer 2

Fibers that run from motor cortex to the spinal cord, responsible for initiating movement

Question 3

Corpora Quadrigemina

Answer 3

Composed of superior and inferior colliculi. Dorsally positioned and plays a role in the mediation of auditory and visual reflex. The functional union

Question 4

Superior Colliculi

Answer 4

Responsible for the mediation and regulation of visual reflex.

Question 5

Inferior Colliculi

Answer 5

Involved in relay in auditory information. Responsible for the mediation and regulation of auditory reflex

Question 6

Tectum

Answer 6

Anatomic union for superior and inferior colliculi

Question 7

Substantia Nigra

Answer 7

Strip of gray matter that sits just posterior to the nuclei of the cerebral peduncle. Important for motor control. Has fibers that extend to frontal lobe, so it also plays a role in attention, and in our executive functions. Also produces neurotransmitters called dopamine.

Question 8

Executive Functions

Answer 8

How we exercise control over our cognitive processes, like inhibition, self-monitoring, planning, regulation of emotion, and motivation

Question 9

Parkinson’s disease

Answer 9

Disease when substantia nigra cells die and depletes dopamine, which is important for movement.

Question 10

Pons

Answer 10

It’s a connector. It connects midbrain to medulla oblongata and connects cerebellum to rest of the brain.

Question 11

Red Nucleus

Answer 11

Sits just posterior to substantia nigra and it’s involved with movement. The relay center for extrapyramidal system.

Question 12

Reticular Formation Three Functions

Answer 12

1. An efferent and afferent communication network that extends from the level of the thalamus all the way down to the spinal cord.
2. Early warning system that warns the thalamus and structures above that sensory information is going to be forthcoming.
3. Works with thalamus to help regulate circulation, respiration, and gastrointestinal activities.

Question 13

Vermis

Answer 13

Connects the two hemispheres of the cerebellum

Question 14

Anterior Lobe

Answer 14

Receives proprioceptive impulses from spinal cord

Question 15

Posterior Lobe

Answer 15

Connected to cerebrum, regulates coordination of muscle activity

Question 16

Flocculonodular Lobe

Answer 16

Primarily responsible for mediating equilibrium

Question 17

Ipsilateral

Answer 17

Each side of the hemisphere is responsible for the side of the body its on.

Question 18

Inferior Cerebrellar Peduncle/ Restiform Body

Answer 18

Receives information coming through medulla, from the cortex above, which is motor, and it receives information from the spinal cord via the medulla that is sensory in nature.

Question 19

Middle Cerebellar Peduncle/ Brachium Pontis

Answer 19

Carries fibers from frontal and temporal lobe, carry motor information to cerebellum via the pons

Question 20

Superior Cerebellar peduncle/ Brachium Conjuntivum

Answer 20

Carry sensory information from cerebellum via midbrain to the thalamus.

Question 21

Cerebellar Function 3 Step Process

Answer 21

1. The cerebellum recieves incoming motor information to warn it about an impending motor movement
2. Receives incoming sensory information with feedback about how the movement actually went
3. Sends out sensory information that allows us to adjust and execute the motor action

Question 22

4 Functions of the Cerebellum

Answer 22

1. Center for inhibition and excitation of connecting neurons
2. Responsible for muscle synergy
3. It provides the fine coordination for rapid alternating movement
4. It helps us maintain posture and balance for things like walking, eating, dressing, and writing

Question 23

3 Primary Systems for Speech and Their Functions

Answer 23

1. Pyramidal System- Responsible for initiating voluntary speech movements
2. Extrapyramidal System- Provides non voluntary support that lets you perform the purposeful movement
3. Cerebellar System- Provides the precise and specialized motor control that enables us to produce the rapid alternating and repetitive movements needed for smooth coordinated conversational speech