Week 2- Brainstem and Cranial Nerves Flashcards
Where do many ascending/descending pathways synapse?
In the relay nuclei of the brainstem
How is the cerebellum connected to the brainstem?
By 3 cerebellar peduncles
How many cranial nerve nuclei does the brainstem contain?
CN 3-12 but NOT 11
What is the tectum of the brainstem?
The roof (towards the back), generally behind the cerebral aquaduct
What does the pineal gland produce?
Melatonin- also has function in regulating the circadian rhythm
What is the superior colliculus involved with?
The visual pathway
What is the inferior colliculus involved with?
The auditory pathway
What is the difference in effect of an optic nerve lesion vs optic tract lesion?
Nerve: comes from one eye
Tract: comes from both eye
What descending tracts are carried in the cerebral peduncles?
Corticospinal and corticobulbar
Which cranial nerves emerge at the midbrain?
3 and 4
Which cranial nerves emerge at the pons?
5/6/7/8
Which cranial nerves emerge at the upper medulla
9/10/12
Which cranial nerves emerge at the lower medulla?
9/10/12
What happens to the 4th ventricle in the lower medulla?
It moves anteriorly and is completely enclosed in neural tissue
What is the medulla a continuation of?
The spinal chord
