Brain stem and Reticular formation

What structures make up the brain stem?

Medulla Oblongata, Pons, Midbrain, and Reticular Formation

What structure is found on the anterior aspect of the medulla?

bulges formed from white matter called pyramids

What does the cardiovascular center of the medulla regulate?

Heart rate and diameter of blood vessels

What does the medullary respiratory center regulate?

adjusts the rhythm of breathing

What do the nuclei for reflexes in the medullar include?

vomiting, swallowing, sneezing, coughing, and hiccuping

Nuclei containing synapses for sensory pathways in the medullar include:

posterior column-medial lemniscus pathway, gustation, audition, and equilibrium.

nuclei of origin for cranial nerves in the medulla:

VIII through XII

What structures does the pontine nuclei connect in the pons?

cerebrum to cerebellum

What does the pontine respiratory group of the pons do?

helps control breathing

Nuclei for cranial nerves in the pons:

V through VIII

What structure of white matter is found within the midbrain?

cerebral peduncles

What does the cerebral pedunlces consists of?

axons of the corticospinal, corticobulbar, and corticopontine tracts

Explain role of superior colliculi in the midbrain

reflex centers for certain visual activities

Explain role of inferior colliculi in the midbrain

reflex center for the startle reflex and are part of the auditory pathway

Role of substantia nigra in the midbrain

contains neurons that release dopamine to help control subconscious motor activities

Role of red nuclei in the midbrain

involved in control of autonomic movements

Nuclei for cranial nerves in the midbrain

III and IV

What is the ascending portion of the reticular formation function?

alerts the cerebral cortex of incoming sensory signals and responsible for maintaining consciousness and awakening from sleep

What is the function of the descending portion of the reticular formation?

help regulate skeletal muscle tone, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate

What structures separates the cerebellum from the cerebrum?

transverse fissure and the tentorium cerebelli

Function of the cerebellum

coordination of skilled muscular activities and the regulation of posture and balance