Pons and CN VI* Flashcards
What does the pons form?
It forms the middle section of the brainstem bridging between the two halves of the cerebellum.
What does the pons contain?
It contains axons linking:
- the two halves of the cerebellum
- the cortex and spinal cord
- the nuclei of the fifth and sixth cranial nerves.
What is the abducens nerve? And what does it supply?
It is purely a motor nerve. It supplies lateral rectus muscles of the eye on the same side.
What is the structure of the abducens nerve?
It is thin and has a long course from the base of the pons to the orbit, which is in contact with the underlying bones of the skull.
What happens to the abducens when intercranial pressure is raised?
It is often the first nerve to be affected because it is compressed against the bones.
What if the abducens is damaged?
Turning the eye will become difficult. Double vision. They may start to squint.
What do the trigeminal (CN V) nerves supply?
Mixed nerves supplying:
- sensory to the skin of the face and underlying deep structures.
- motor muscles of mastication and some of the suprahyoid muscles opening the jaw.
What three divisions of the trigeminal nerve is there?
- Opthalmic
- Maxillary
- Mandibular
What does the opthalmic nerve supply?
Skin from the upper eyelid to the vertex of the skull and the eyeball.
What are the 3 branches of the opthalmic nerve?
- Frontal
- Lacrimal
- Nasociliary
What does the maxillary division supply?
It is sensory and supplies the skin from lower eyelid and upper lid.
What does the mandibular division supply?
Skin of the lower lip and chin and the temple.
what deep structures does the mandibular division supply?
Lower teeht, anterior 2/3rds of tongue.
What are the motor components that the mandibular division supplies?
Muscles of mastication, tensor veli palatini, tensor typani.
What deep canals does the maxillary division supply?
- upper teeth.
- mucosa
- nasal cavity
- skin of lower eyelid, cheek and upper lip
