The Medulla Oblongata and the Pons

Question 1

All communication between the brain and spinal cord travels along tracts that ascend or descend through here.

Answer 1

Medulla Oblongata

Question 2

Contains tracts of motor fibers that originate at the cerebral cortex.

Answer 2

Pyramids

Question 3

Crossing of pyramidal fibers to the opposite side of the medulla oblongata.

Answer 3

Decussation of the pyramids

Question 4

Relay somatic sensory information to the thalamus.

Answer 4

Nucleus Gracilis and Nucleus Cuneatus

Question 5

Parts of the ascending sensory tract nuclei.

Answer 5

Nucleus Gracilis and Nucleus Cuneatus

Question 6

Relay information from the red nucleus and other nuclei fo the midbrain, and the cerebral cortex to the cerebellum.

Answer 6

Inferior Olivary Nuclei

Question 7

Regulates heart rate and force of contraction.

Answer 7

Cardiovascular Control Center

Question 8

Sets the pace of respiratory movements.

Answer 8

Respiratory Center

Question 9

Synapses that mediate and maintain equilibrium.

Answer 9

Vestibular Nuclear Complex

Question 10

Which cranial nerves are associated with the medulla oblongata?

Answer 10

VII, IX, X, XI, and XII

Question 11

Links the cerebellum with the midbrain, diencephalon, cerebrum, medulla oblongata, and spinal cord.

Answer 11

Pons

Question 12

Loosely organized mass of gray matter that contains embedded nuclei and centers that regulate vital autonomic functions. Extends from the medulla oblongata to the midbrain.

Answer 12

Reticular Formation

Question 13

Which cranial nerves originate in the pons?

Answer 13

V, VI, VII

Question 14

What three broad columns make up the reticular formation?

Answer 14

Raphe Nuclei, Medial Group, Lateral Group

Question 15

What is the function of the ascending and descending tracts in the medulla oblongata?

Answer 15

The tracts of white matter link the brain with the spinal cord.

Question 16

Which medulla oblongata components relay somatic sensory information to the thalamus?

Answer 16

The nucleus gracilis and nucleus cuneatus.

Question 17

Describe the pyramids of the medulla oblongata and a decussation.

Answer 17

The pyramids contain tracts of motor fibers that originate at the cerebral cortex. Some of the motor fibers cross to opposite sides of the medulla oblongata, and that crossing over is called a decussation.