A and P - Brainstem

what are the three parts of the brainstem?

1. Midbrain

2. Pons Varolli

3. Medulla Oblongata

Where does the midbrain extend?

From pons to lower diencephalon

What are the three parts of the midbrain?

1. aqueduct of sylvius runs through it

2. Ventral surface- cerebral peduncles

3. Dorsal surface- corpora quadrigemina

   • Superior Colliculus

   • Interior colliculus

What are the cerebral peduncles (ventral surface of the brainstem)?

Ascending and descending tracts connecting pons and cerebrum

What are the functions of the superior and interior colliculus which are on corpora quadrigemina?

1. Superior colliculus - visual reflexes ( eye, head, and neck response to sound)

2. Interior colliculus - auditory reflexes (eye head and neck response to auditory stimulus)

Describe where the pons varolli is

superior to the medulla and anterior to cerebellum

What is the function of the pons varolli?

• Contains pathways that link cerebellum with the cerebrum, brainstem, and spinal cord.

• also contains nuclei for cranial nerves V, VI, VII and VII.

describe where the medulla oblongata is

inferior to brainstem, continuous with the spinal cord

What is the function of the medulla oblongata?

• conducts sensory and motor info

• contains vital and non-vital reflex centers

  • vital = cardiac center, respiratory center, and vasomotor center

  • non-vital = swallowing sneezing and vomiting.