Structure and Function Flashcards
Abducens nuclei
A nucleus in the dorsal medial part of the caudal pons, near the MLF, whose motor neurons give rise to CN6
4th Ventricle
located at dorsal brain stem from mid medulla to pons
Brachium Conjunctivum
Sup. Cerebellar peduncle - Connection from cerebellum to midbrain for most cerebellar outputs
Brachium Pontis
Middle cerebellar peduncle - Connection from basal pons to cerebellum; it is a relay from cerebral cortex to cerebellum (corticopontine, pontocerebellar)
Central Canal
The canal at the center of the spinal cord and caudal medulla, filled with CSF. Connects with the 4th ventricle at the obex of the medulla.
Cerebellum
Comprised of cortex and deep nuclei; involved in coordination of voluntary movements and learning motor skills
Cerebral aqueduct (Sylvius)
The cerebrospinal fluid path through the midbrain from the 3rd to 4th ventricle
Cerebraa peduncle/Crus cerebri
Located ventral midbrain. Comprised of cerebral cortical efferents to brain stem (corticobulbar) and spinal cord (corticospinal)
Cochlear Nuclei
Situated on inferior cerebellar peduncle at the ponto-mesencephalic junction. Is the termination of auditory fibers in CN8 and is the first relay nucleas in the auditory pathway
Dentate, Interposed, and Fastigeal Nuclei
Lateral to medial, these are the deep cerebellar nuclei. They are for output from the cerebellum
Dorsal columns
Collective term for the fasciculus gracilis and cuneatus
Dorsal motor nucleaus of the Vagus
Collection of motor neurons for parasympathetic preganglionic fibers in CN10. Rostral part often called inferior salivatory nucleaus and contributes parasympathetics to CN9
External/Lateral Cuneate nucleas
Immediately lateral to the nucleas cuneatus and relays proprioceptive information from the upper limbs to the cerebellum
Facial Nerve
CN7 has a long course through the caudal pons. Has an internal genu around the abducens nucleus in the floor of the 4th ventricle, leading to a bump in this location
Facial Nucleus
Located in caudal pons and s origin of fibers to muscles of CN7
Fasciculus Gracilis and Cuneatus
These tracts convey well localized touch, pressure, vibration, and joint position from legs (gracilis) and arms (cuneatus). Collectivley called dorsal columns
Hypoglossal nucleus
This is the nucleus in the dorsal medial medulla containing motor neurons for tounge muscles
Inferior Cerebellar peduncle
(Resitform body). This is the connection from medulla to cerebellum that conveys fibers from spinal cord and brainstem to cerebellum
Inferior Olivary Nucleus
Large nucleus in the ventral lateral medulla that is the origin of cerebellar CLIMBING FIBERS; critical for cerebellar function
Internal Arcuate fibers
fibers arising from neurons of the nucleus gracilis and cuneatus, passing ventrally and decussating; a distinctive feature of the caudal to mid medulla
Lateral Geniculate Nucleus
Located at caudal thalamus (part of diencephalon). Is the termination of the optic tract and is critical relay in visual pathway.
Medial Geniculate Nucleus
Located in caudal part of thalamus and relays auditory information from the inferior colliculus to the auditory cortex.
Medial Lemniscus
This tract is a continuation of sensory axons from dorsal column nuclei and pass through the internal arcuate fibers - it relays the dorsal column sensation (well-localized touch, vibration, joint location) rostrally through the brain stem to the thalamus.
Medial Longitudinal Fasciculus
A bundle of axons with several ascending and descending tracts. Important in yoking together horizontal eye movements, and is located near the midline ventral to the ventricle system.
Medullary pyramid
The finder bundle in the ventral medulla containing CORTICOSPINAL TRACTS, involved in skilled movements of CONTRALATERAL limbs
Nucleus solitarius
this is the visceral sensory nucleus for CN10 and CN9. The rostral portion receives taste input (gustatory nucleus)
Obex
Location where the central canal opens up to the 4th ventricle
Periaqueductal Grey
Nucleus surrounding the cerebral aqueduct that contains endogenous opiate neurons and activates descending pain suppression pathways.
Pineal Gland
Located dorsal to midbrain; involved in circadian secretion of meletonin
Pontine nuclei/Basal Pons
A bulbous nucleus that forms the ventral part of pons. Is the termination site for corticopontine fibers and the origin for pontocerebellar projections through the middle cerebellar peduncle.
Pulvinar
the large posterior portion of the thalamus that forms a bulbous projection
Pyramidal Decussation
The crossing site for corticospinal tracts at the caudal end the medullary pyramid. Marks the junction between spinal cord and brain stem.
Raphe nuclei
Serotonin containing neurons in the midline of the brain stem
Red Nucleus
Large motor nucleus in the midbrain. Is the orgin of the Rubrospinal tract and projections into the inferior olivary nucleus.
Spinal nucleus of the trigeminal
A long nucleus of the lateral brain stem that is the termination of trigeminal pain and temperature sensory fibers in the spinal tract of the trigeminal.
Spinal tract of the Trigeminal
Collection of trigeminal pain and temperature sensory fibers running caudally through the lateral medulla. These are the first order sensory fibers from the trigeminal nerve
Substantia Nigra
Large nucleus in the midbrain that is dorsal to the crus cerebri. The pars compacta is a MAJOR SOURCE OF DOPAMINE to the basal ganglia; it degenerates in parkinsons
Superior Colliculus
A nucleus that recieves input from many sensations (esp. vision) and is involved in producing reflex head and eye movements to novel stimuli.
Tectum
The portion of the midbrain dorsal to the cerebral aqueduct (comprised of the colliculi)
Tegmentum
The term used for the core of the brain stem between the ventricle system dorsally and the motor structures in the ventral part of the stem (the pyramids and inf. olive in the medulla; pontine nuclei in the pons; substantia nigra in the midbrain)
Trapezoid body
Crossing fibers in the pons for the AUDITORY pathway
Trigeminal nerve
CN5 passsing thru the middle cerebellar peduncle in the mid pons
Trigeminal Nuclei
The motor neurons of the jaw muscles, termination of touch an pressure sensitivity fibers from the face
Ventral tegmental area
A region of dopaminergic neurons in the midline of the ventral midbrain. THE MAJOR DOPAMINE SOURCE IN THE MESOLIMBIC and MESOCORTICAL REWARD SYSTEM. Major site of ADDICTION research.
Vestibular nuclei/complex
Termination of CN8
Inferior colliculus
Relay for auditory pathway
