NS3 hindbrain anatomy

Brainstem

The part of the brain that consists of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata, responsible for vital functions such as motor and sensory innervation to the face and neck.

Midbrain (Mesencephalon)

The most rostral part of the brain, involved in visual and auditory reflexes as well as eye movement.

Pons

A structure in the brainstem that contains the motor nucleus of the trigeminal nerve and serves as a bridge between the cerebrum and cerebellum.

Medulla oblongata

The brainstem structure that regulates cardiac and respiratory functions, and contains autonomic functions such as breathing and blood pressure.

Cranial nerves

Nerves that emerge directly from the brain, primarily controlling motor and sensory functions of the head and neck.

Ascending afferent tracts

Nerve pathways that carry sensory information to the brain.

Descending efferent tracts

Nerve pathways that carry motor commands from the brain to the body.

Red nucleus

A structure in the midbrain that plays an important role in motor control.

Oculomotor nerve (CN III)

A cranial nerve that controls eye movements and pupil constriction.

Trochlear nerve (CN IV)

A cranial nerve that also contributes to eye movement.

Autonomic functions

Involuntary functions controlled by the brain, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.

Trigeminal nerve (CN V)

A cranial nerve responsible for mastication and sensation in the face.

Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)

A cranial nerve that controls tongue movements.

Reticular formation

A network of neurons located in the brainstem that regulates arousal and consciousness.

Ascendence of sensory information

The process of sensory data being relayed to the brain for processing.

Facial nerve paresis

Weakness or paralysis of the muscles of facial expression, often due to nerve damage.

Fourth ventricle

A cavity within the brainstem that contains cerebrospinal fluid, located behind the medulla oblongata and the pons.

The _______ is the part of the brain that controls involuntary functions like breathing and heart rate.

Brainstem

The _______ is involved in visual and auditory reflexes and is located in the midbrain.

Midbrain (Mesencephalon)

The _______ serves as a bridge between the cerebrum and cerebellum in the brainstem.

Pons

The _______ regulates cardiac and respiratory functions and contains autonomic functions.

Medulla oblongata

Cranial nerves control _______ and sensory functions of the head and neck.

motor

______ tracts are nerve pathways that carry sensory information to the brain.

Ascending afferent

______ tracts carry motor commands from the brain to the body.

Descending efferent

The _______ nucleus plays an important role in motor control and is located in the midbrain.

Red

The _______ nerve is responsible for controlling eye movements and pupil constriction.

Oculomotor (CN III)

The _______ nerve contributes to eye movement and is cranial nerve IV.

Trochlear

What is the primary function of the brainstem?

The brainstem is responsible for regulating vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

What structures make up the brainstem?

The brainstem consists of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

What role does the pons play in the brain?

The pons acts as a bridge between the cerebrum and cerebellum, facilitating communication between these areas.

Which cranial nerve controls facial sensations?

The trigeminal nerve (CN V) controls sensation in the face.

What crucial functions does the medulla oblongata regulate?

The medulla oblongata regulates cardiac and respiratory functions.

What is the function of the oculomotor nerve?

The oculomotor nerve (CN III) controls eye movements and pupil constriction.

What are ascending afferent tracts responsible for?

Ascending afferent tracts carry sensory information from the body to the brain.

What does the red nucleus control?

The red nucleus plays an important role in motor control.

Which cranial nerve is responsible for tongue movement?

The hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) controls tongue movements.

What is the function of the reticular formation?

The reticular formation regulates arousal and consciousness.

The _______ is located at the base of the brain and connects to the spinal cord.

Brainstem

The _______ is responsible for relaying information between different parts of the brain.

Pons

The _______ controls the involuntary functions of the body like heart rate and breathing.

Medulla oblongata

The _______ nerve is the largest cranial nerve and is responsible for sensation in the face.

Trigeminal

The _______ tract carries signals that help coordinate voluntary muscle movements.

Descending efferent

The _______ nucleus is vital for motor control and located in the midbrain.

Red

The _______ ventricle contains cerebrospinal fluid and is located in the brainstem.

Fourth

The _______ nerve helps with neck and shoulder movements.

Accessory (CN XI)

______ functions include control over the body’s internal environment, such as digestion.

Autonomic

The _______ formation is important for maintaining wakefulness and cycling between sleep and wakefulness.

Reticular