Neuro - Brainstem and Cranial Nerves

Question 1

What are the sections of the brainstem?

Answer 1

Mid brain
Pons
Medulla

Question 2

What pathways pass through the brainstem?

Answer 2

All pathways to and from the cerebral cortex

Question 3

How is the cerebellum connected to the brainstem?

Answer 3

it is attached to the pons via 3 cerebella peduncles (white fibre tracts)

Question 4

What cranial nerves does the brainstem contain?

Answer 4

3-12 except for 11

Question 5

What is the horizontal section of the midbrain?

Answer 5

Posteriorly, we have the tectum (roof) and the tegmentum in the centre, with the ventricular system separating the two sections. Then anteriorly, we have two sections of the base.

Question 6

What are cerebral peduncles?

Answer 6

These bring pathways (corticospinal and corticobulbar) down from the cerebral cortex - not to be confused with the cerebellar peduncles

Question 7

What does the mid brain contain?

Answer 7

Cerebral peduncles
Aqueduct
Superior (visual) colliculi
Inferior (auditory) colliculi

Question 8

What does the pons contain?

Answer 8

4th ventricle
Middle cerebellar peduncle
Cranial nerves V, VI, VII, VIII

Question 9

What is the open medulla?

Answer 9

Upper medulla

Question 10

What does the open medulla contain?

Answer 10

No roof to the 4th ventricle due to no cerebellum

Contains inferior olivary nucleus

Question 11

What is the closed medulla?

Answer 11

Lower medulla

Question 12

What does the closed medulla contain?

Answer 12

4th ventricle has tapered down and formed the central canal so is surrounded by neural tissue therefore closing the medulla.
Dorsal columns are found here
Visible decussation of the pyramids

Question 13

Where is decussation of the medulla found?

Answer 13

Closed lower medulla

Question 14

What is the medulla?

Answer 14

Rostral continuation of the spinal cord

Question 15

What does the medulla contain on its anterior surface?

Answer 15

Pyramids with tracts from the cerebral cortex to the spinal cord.

Question 16

What does the posterior surface of the medulla contain?

Answer 16

Dorsal column that are either open or closed dependent on the presence of the cerebellum.

Question 17

From what 2 arteries does the brainstem blood supply come from?

Answer 17

Anterior and posterior arteries

Question 18

Where is the anterior artery derived from?

Answer 18

Internal carotid artery

Question 19

Where is the posterior artery derived from?

Answer 19

Vertebrobasilar system (main supply for brainstem)

Question 20

What are GSA neurones?

Answer 20

General somatic afferent - general sensation from the skin, muscle and joints of the head and neck.

Question 21

What are GSE neurones?

Answer 21

General somatic efferent - Fibres innervate skeletal muscle

Question 22

What are GVA neurones?

Answer 22

General visceral afferent - afferent from organs of head neck thorax and abdomen.

Question 23

What are GVE neurones?

Answer 23

Fibres in the preganglionic parasympathetic neurones to the cranial, thoracic and abdominal viscera.

Question 24

What are SSA neurones?

Answer 24

Special somatic afferent - fibres carry special senses of hearing and balance

Question 25

What are SVA neurones?

Answer 25

Special visceral afferent - fibres carry taste sensation from tongue

Question 26

What are SVE neurones?

Answer 26

Special visceral efferent - innervate skeletal muscle of the jaw, face, larynx and pharynx.

Question 27

What cranial nerves emerge from the midbrain?

Answer 27

III, IV

Question 28

What cranial nerves emerge from the pons?

Answer 28

V, VI, VII, VIII

Question 29

What cranial nerves emerge from the medulla?

Answer 29

IX, X, XII