Medulla Anatomy & Function

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the anatomy and function of the medulla, based on lecture notes.

Medulla

The third part of the brainstem, located after the midbrain and pons.

Cranial nerves

Nerves that originate in the brainstem and are responsible for various functions, including sensations and motor control.

Hypoglossal nucleus

Cranial nerve 12, associated with tongue movement.

Dorsal nucleus of vagus

Cranial nerve 10, involved in several autonomic functions.

Sensory decussation

The crossing over of sensory (afferent) fibers in the medulla.

Pyramidal decussation

The crossing over of motor (efferent) fibers in the medulla, forming the lateral corticospinal tract.

Proprioception

The sense that allows an individual to perceive the position of their body parts.

Arcuate nucleus

An important nucleus in the medulla involved in sleep and breathing processes.

Vestibular nuclei

Nuclei in the medulla that receive afferent fibers from the inner ear.

Inferior olivary nucleus

A nucleus in the medulla that sends efferent fibers to the cerebellum and spinal cord, involved in motor coordination.

Spinal nucleus/tract of trigeminal nerve

Receives sensory information from the face and is responsible for pain and touch sensation.

Lateral spinothalamic tract

Carries sensations of pain and temperature to the thalamus.

Dorsal spinocerebellar tract

Transmits proprioceptive information from the lower body to the cerebellum.

Tectospinal tract

A tract that carries signals for reflexive movements of the head and eyes.

Rubrospinal tract

A descending tract from the red nucleus that innervates flexor muscles, particularly in the upper limbs.