The brainstem Flashcards
What is the role of the brainstem?
Sends messages to the body about different functions
What are the three areas of the brainstem?
Midbrain, pons, and medulla
What is the role of the midbrain?
Processing and movement
What are the roles of the superior and inferior colliculus?
Eye movements and visual processing, and auditory processing
What is the role of the substantial nigra?
Movement, as it is filled with dopaminergic neurones
What is the role of the red nucleus?
Movement and motor coordination
What is the role of the pons?
Contains cranial nerve nuclei and is important in the sleep wake cycle and pain signals
What is the role of the medulla?
Reflexes and cardiorespiratory centre
How many cranial nerves are there?
12 pairs
Where are the cranial nerves located?
3-12 in the brainstem, 1 in the frontal lobe, and 2 in the optic chiasm
What is the role of cranial nerve 1?
Smell
What is the role of cranial nerve 2?
Vision
What are the roles of cranial nerves 3,4, and 6?
Eye movements
What is the role of cranial nerve 5?
Sensory and motor function of the face
What is the role of cranial nerve 7?
Facial movement and taste
What is the role of cranial nerve 8?
Hearing and balance
What is the role of cranial nerve 9?
Taste, swallowing, and autonomic function
What is the role of cranial nerve 10?
Sensory, motor, and autonomic functions e.g. heart rate and breathing
What is the role of cranial nerve 11?
Shoulder and neck muscles
What is the role of cranial nerve 12?
Tongue muscles
What are the signs of third nerve palsy?
Eye looks down and out and unable to adduct eye
What are the signs of 4th nerve palsy?
No obvious squint and eye turns upwards
What are the signs of 6th nerve palsy?
Can’t abduct eye and the eye turns inwards
What are the signs of 7th nerve palsy (Bell’s palsy)?
Inability to wrinkle brow, drooping eye, asymmetrical smile, and drooping corner of the mouth
