nervous system

Question 1

Brain stem structure and function

Answer 1

• basic functions-respiratory rhythm, blood pressure regulation, vomiting
• concept of centres
• origin of cranial nerves
• Midbrain constitutes part of the reticular formation -maintenance of wakefulness, aspects of visual and auditory processing

Question 2

cranial nerves

Answer 2

• Organisation of the brainstem showing the cranial nerves
• twelve cranial nerves
• all innervate head and neck except vagus nerve

Question 3

diencephalon - thalamus

Answer 3

final relay point for sensory information that will be transmitted to the cortex - acts as a filter

Question 4

diencephalon - hypothalamus

Answer 4

Controls and integrates activity of the ANS
• Controls the pituitary gland (release hormones) and releases its own hormones
• Regulates emotional and behavioural patterns e.g. eating and drinking
• Controls body temperature
• Subconscious control of skeletal muscle in relation to behavioural patterns e.g. rage, aggression, pain
• Coordination between voluntary and autonomic functions e.g. increased HR
when thinking about dangerous situations
• Contains the suprachiasmatic nucleus which controls circadian rhythms.

Question 5

cerebellum

Answer 5

Lies below the cerebrum and behind the brainstem
• Divided into 2 lobes, thence into 9 lobules
• Consists of outer grey matter and internal white matter
• Connected to the brainstem by three pairs of nerve fibres - cerebellar peduncles
• Adjusts postural muscles
• by modifying motor centres in the brainstem
• Programming/Fine tuning conscious and subconscious movements
• compares proprioceptive information with motor commands

Question 6

cerebellar peduncles - inferior

Answer 6

cerebellum - medulla: receive inputs from proprioceptors

Question 7

cerebellar peduncles - middle

Answer 7

cerebellum - pons: voluntary motor activity initiated in motor cortex

Question 8

cerebellar peduncles - superior

Answer 8

cerebellum - midbrain: fibres from cerebellum to motor cortex via thalamus

Question 9

cerebellar peduncles - superior

Answer 9

cerebellum - midbrain: fibres from cerebellum to motor cortex via thalamus