Structures of the Pons

Question 1

Deep Pontine Nuclei

Answer 1

Location = Basilar Pons

Function = Send projections to the cerebellum regarding intended movement(s) of contralateral limb

Question 2

Cerebellar Peduncles

Answer 2

Location:
Superior and middle = pontine tegmentum
Inferior = caudal pontine tegmentum

Function:
1. Superior Cerebellar Peduncle = afferent and efferent fibers between cerebellum and midbrain

2. Middle Cerebellar Peduncle = afferent fibers ONLY, between cerebellum and pons
3. Inferior Cerebellar Peduncle = afferent and efferent fibers between cerebellum and medulla

Question 3

Deep Cerebellar Nuclei

Answer 3

Location = Caudal Pontine Tegmentum

Function = Primary output target for all information coming out of the cerebellum

Question 4

Locus Ceruleus

Answer 4

Location = Rostral Pontine Tegmentum

Function = Major NE production center in the brain

Question 5

Raphe Nuclei

Answer 5

Location = Rostral Pontine Tegmentum

Function = Major serotonin production center in the brain

Question 6

Superior Olivary Complex/Nuclei

Answer 6

Location = Caudal Pontine Tegmentum

Function = Contribute to both ascending and descending input for auditory function

Question 7

Trapezoid Body

Answer 7

Location = Caudal Pontine Tegmentum

Function = Ascending auditory pathway fibers carrying information from cochlea that decussate before traveling to superior olivary nuclei that is thought to help with localization of sound.

Question 8

Trigeminal Nuclei

Answer 8

Location: Pontine Tegmentum

Function:
Motor trigeminal nuclei = give rise to efferent to muscles of mastication

Principal sensory trigeminal nuclei = afferent discriminate touch, light touch, proprioception to face, dental pressure.

Mesencephalic trigeminal nuclei = afferent proprioception to jaw.

Spinal trigeminal nuclei = afferent crude touch, pain, temperature of face