Topography of the Brain Flashcards
What are the parts of the Brainstem? (superior to inferior)
Midbrain, pons and medulla
What cranial nerves are contained within the brainstem?
III-XII
What are the functions of the brainstem?
Pathway for fibre tracts running between higher and lower centres
Innervation of head and neck
Rigidly programmed automatic behaviours essential for survival
What cavity is located in the medulla?
IV ventricle
What does the medulla continue as inferiorly?
Spinal cord
What are the surfaces features of the medulla?
Pyramids and their decussation
Olives laterally
Cranial nerves IX-XII
How is the medulla connected to the cerebellum?
Inferior cerebellar peduncles
What is posterior to the pons?
IV ventricle
What are the surface features of the pons?
Middle cerebellar peduncle
Cranial nerves V-VIII
What does the midbrain develop from?
Mesencephalon
What are the surface features of the midbrain?
Cerebral peduncle
Superior cerebellar peduncle
Corpora quadrigemina
Origin of III and IV nerves
What are the right and left hemispheres of the cerebellum separated by?
Vermis
What are the lobes of the cerebellum?
Anterior
Posterior
Flocculonodular
What does the surface of the cerebellum have?
Sulci and folia
What are the functions of the cerebellum?
Information from pyramidal tracts
Information from ipsilateral proprioceptors from periphery
Information from vestibular nuclei
What is the role of the hypothalamus?
Homeostatic role
What is the function of the thalamus?
Sensory relay station
What do the ICAs give branches to?
Anterior cerebral artery
Middle cerebral artery
Posterior communicating artery
What do the 2 vertebral arteries form?
Basilar artery
What system gives branches that supply the brainstem and cerebellum?
Vetebro-basilar
Where does the basilar artery end?
Level of midbrain
How does the basilar artery end?
Divides into 2 posterior cerebral arteries
What do the posterior cerebral arteries supply?
Inferior aspect of cerebral hemispheres and occipital lobe
What forms the circle of willis?
Branches of ICA and the PCA
What is the function of the circle of willis?
Protective feature against vaso-occlusion of large arteries
What do the anterior cerebral arteries supply?
Medial aspect of cerebral hemispheres excluding occipital
What do the middle cerebral arteries supply?
Lateral aspect of cerebral hemispheres
What do the superficial and deep veins of the brain drain into?
Venous sinuses which lie between 2 layers of dura mater
What do the dural venous sinuses going together to drain into?
Internal jugular veins
What is the superior sinus?
Small groove in skull cap
What is the sigmoid sinus?
S shaped groove up from the jugular foramen
