Organisation of brainstem and cranial nerves

Question 1

Define brainstem.

Answer 1

◦That part of the CNS, exclusive of the cerebellum, that lies between the cerebrum and the spinal cord

Question 2

What are the major divisions of the brainstem?

Answer 2

Medulla oblongata

Pons

Midbrain

Question 3

Label posterior view of 4th ventricle and cerebellum

Answer 3

Question 4

What is the role of the inferior colliculus?

Answer 4

Auditory reflex.

Question 5

What cranial nerve emerges from the back of the brainstem?

Answer 5

Trochlear n

Question 6

Label anterior vire of brainstem.

Answer 6

Question 7

Define general somatic and visceral afferents (GSE, GVA).

Answer 7

—General somatic afferent (GSA)

sensation from skin and mucous membranes

—General visceral afferent (GVA)

sensation from GI tract, heart, vessels & lungs

Question 8

Define general somatic and visceral efferent (GSE, GVE).

Answer 8

—General somatic efferent (GSE)

muscles for eye & tongue movements

—General visceral efferent (GVE)

preganglionic parasympathetic

Question 9

Define special somatic and visceral afferents.

Answer 9

—Special somatic afferent

vision, hearing & equilibrium

—Special visceral afferent

smell & taste

Question 10

Define special visceral efferent

Answer 10

muscles involved in chewing, facial expression, swallowing, vocal sounds & turning head

Question 11

Label diagram of embryonic spinal cord.

Answer 11

Question 12

Label diagram of embryonic rhombenencephalon.

Answer 12

Question 13

Label diagram to show location of afferent/efferent brainsteam nuclei.

Answer 13

Question 14

Label midbrain inferior colliculus, cerebral aqueduct, substantia nigra, cerebral peduncle.

Answer 14

Question 15

Label pons 4th ventricle, middle cerebellar peduncle, transverse fibres.

Answer 15

Question 16

Label medulla 4th ventricle, inferior olivary nucleus, pyramids.

Answer 16

Question 17

Lower medulla label dorsal columns, central canal, pyramidal decussation.

Answer 17

Question 18

Outline lateral medullary syndrome.

Answer 18

Thrombosis of vertebral artery or PICA.

Question 19

What are the function consequences of lateral medullary syndrome?

Answer 19

◦Vertigo

◦Ipsilateral cerebellar ataxia

◦Ipsilateral loss of pain/thermal sense (face)

◦Horner’s syndrome

◦Hoarseness, difficulty in swallowing

◦Contralateral loss of pain/thermal sense (trunk and limbs)

Question 20

Where is an LMS lesion located?

Answer 20

Posterior lateral portion of medulla.