neuroanatomy IDs

conus medullaris

• located near the first and second lumbar vertebrae, immediately inferior to the lumbar enlargement

• where the spinal cord terminates and the cauda equina begins

greater auricular nerve

• extends from C2 to C4

• right below the lesser occipital nerve

ansa cervicalis

• extends from C1, C2-C3

• ansa means “handle” or “loop”

• responsible for anterior neck muscles superior to the hyoid bone

phrenic nerve

• extends from C3-C5

• necessary for breathing

musculocutaneous nerve

• part of the brachial plexus, passing over the superior portion of the humerus

• extends from C5-C7

• controls the biceps brachii and brachialis

obturator nerve

• extends from L2 to L4 to control the adductor muscles

• one branch extends from each lumbar vertebrae between L2 and L4

superior gluteal nerve

• branches three times to originate from the posterior divisions of the L4, L5, and S1 nerve roots

• controls the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus

common peroneal nerve

• the upper branch of the larger sciatic nerve

• controls the tibilias anterior and extensor digitorum longus

corpora quadrigemina

• the four rounded structures located on the dorsal surface of the midbrain in the brain

• two superior and two inferior colliculi

cerebral peduncle

• means “little foot” of the cerebrum

• two stalks that appear to connect the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland

optic nerve

• cranial nerve pair II

• responsible for vision

• extend into the optic chiasma and into the optic tract

oculomotor nerve

• cranial nerve pair III

• immediately superior to the pons in diagram

vestibular cochlear nerve

• cranial nerve pair VIII

• immediately adjacent to facial nerve

glossopharyngeal nerve

cranial nerve pair IX

vagus nerve

• cranial nerve pair X

• the longest cranial nerve that connects the brain to various organs in the chest and abdomen

• several branches shown in diagram

cerebral aqueduct

• a very small tube that connects the third and fourth ventricles

• runs along the side of the midbrain that faces toward the cerebellum

pituitary gland

immediately to the left and inferior of the optic chiasm as shown in the sagittal view diagram of the brain