Brain Stem Anatomy and Functions POWERPOINT 2

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture on the brainstem, focusing on its structures, functions, and the associated cranial nerves.

Medulla Oblongata

Part of the brainstem that controls autonomic functions, including heart rate and breathing.

Gray Matter

Regions of the brain containing neuronal cell bodies.

Cranial Nerves

Nerves that emerge directly from the brain and brainstem, primarily serving the head and neck.

Relay Stations

Components of the nervous system that transmit information between neurons.

Autonomic Nuclei

Clusters of neurons in the brainstem responsible for involuntary bodily functions.

Sensory Nuclei

Nuclei that process sensory information from the body.

Motor Nuclei

Nuclei that send commands to muscles for movement.

Vestibulocochlear Nerve (Cranial Nerve VIII)

Nerve responsible for hearing and balance.

Glossopharyngeal Nerve (Cranial Nerve IX)

Nerve involved in taste, swallowing, and saliva production.

Vagus Nerve (Cranial Nerve X)

Nerve regulating organs in the abdominal and thoracic cavities.

Accessory Nerve (Cranial Nerve XI)

Nerve involved in shoulder movement and neck rotation.

Hypoglossal Nerve (Cranial Nerve XII)

Nerve controlling tongue movements for speech and swallowing.

Nucleus Gracilis

Nucleus that processes somatic sensory information from the lower body.

Nucleus Cuneatus

Nucleus that processes somatic sensory information from the upper body.

Solitary Nucleus

Nucleus that integrates and relays visceral sensory information.

Olivary Nucleus

Nucleus that relays information from the red nucleus.

Respiratory Rhythmicity Center

Center in the medulla that sets the basic pace of respiration.

Cardiovascular Centers

Centers in the medulla that regulate heart rate and blood vessel diameter.

Apneustic Center

Center in the pons that promotes inhalation.

Pneumotaxic Center

Center in the pons that helps regulate the rhythm of breathing.

Cerebellum

Brain structure that coordinates voluntary movements and balance.

Transverse Fibers

Fibers that connect different regions of the nervous system.

Midbrain

Part of the brainstem involved in vision, hearing, and motor control.

Tectum

Part of the midbrain containing sensory nuclei.

Corpora Quadrigemina

Structures in the midbrain responsible for processing visual and auditory information.

Superior Colliculus

Nucleus in the midbrain that processes visual information.

Inferior Colliculus

Nucleus in the midbrain that processes auditory information.

Red Nucleus

Nucleus in the midbrain involved in motor coordination.

Substantia Nigra

Region in the midbrain that is involved in the production of dopamine.

Thalamus

Brain structure that acts as the relay station for sensory and motor signals.

Pineal Gland

Small endocrine gland in the brain that produces melatonin.

Cerebral Peduncle

Structure of the midbrain that connects the cerebrum to the brainstem.

Reticular Formation

Network of neurons in the brainstem that regulates arousal and attention.

Fourth Ventricle

Cavity filled with cerebrospinal fluid located between the pons and cerebellum.

Ascending Tracts

Nerve pathways that carry sensory information to the brain.

Descending Tracts

Nerve pathways that carry motor commands from the brain.

Cranial Nerve V

Trigeminal nerve that is responsible for sensory information from the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing.

Cranial Nerve VI

Abducens nerve that controls lateral eye movement.

Cranial Nerve VII

Facial nerve responsible for facial expressions and taste sensations.

Cranial Nerve VIII (Auditory)

Vestibulocochlear nerve responsible for hearing and balance.

Cranial Nerves Summary

The medulla oblongata is associated with five cranial nerves that control various functions.

General Reflex Centers

Centers that coordinate reflex actions such as sneezing and swallowing.

Visceral Activities

Functions related to internal organs that are mainly involuntary.

Motor Pathways

Neural pathways that carry signals from the brain to the muscles.

Sensory Pathways

Neural pathways that carry signals from sensory organs to the brain.

Medulla Functions

Includes regulating autonomic functions like heart rate and breathing.

Cerebellum Functions

Involved in the coordination of voluntary movements and maintaining posture.

Nerve Tracts

Bundles of nerve fibers that transmit signals throughout the nervous system.

Neuronal Cell Bodies

The part of the neuron that contains the nucleus and most organelles.

Respiratory Modulation

Adjustment of the basic respiratory rhythm according to needs.

Visceral Sensory Information

Sensory signals that originate from internal organs.

Somatic Sensory Information

Sensory signals that originate from skin and musculoskeletal system.

Touch and Pressure Senses

Form of somatic sensory that informs the brain about physical contact.

Pain and Temperature Senses

Types of somatic sensory information that signal discomfort.

Efferent Neurons

Nerve cells that transmit signals away from the central nervous system.

Afferent Neurons

Nerve cells that transmit signals towards the central nervous system.

Involuntary Control Centers

Neural centers that regulate bodily functions autonomously.

Cognitive Functions of the Brain

Mental processes such as perception, memory, reasoning, and judgment.

Lateral View of Brainstem

Perspective view showing the structural relationships between brainstem components.

Cranial Nerve Pathways

Routes along which cranial nerves travel to perform their functions.

Neurotransmitters in the Brain

Chemicals that transmit signals across synapses in the nervous system.

Nervous System Overview

The complex network of nerve cells and fibers that transmits nerve impulses between parts of the body.

Automatic Body Functions

Processes controlled by the autonomic nervous system without conscious effort.

Reflex Actions

Involuntary and immediate response to a stimulus,

Spinal Cord

Extension of the central nervous system that connects the brain to the body.

Lateralization of Brain Functions

Specialization of certain tasks in specific hemispheres of the brain.

Neural Pathways

Connections between neurons that direct the flow of information.

Gray Matter vs White Matter

Gray matter contains cell bodies; white matter consists of myelinated axons.

Cranial Nerve Functions

Each cranial nerve has unique functions related to sensation and motor control.

Equilibrium and Balance Functions

Regulated by sensory input from vestibular system and cerebellum.

Integration Centers

Neural structures that combine inputs from different sources for a coordinated response.

Physical Coordination

The ability to execute organized and efficient body movements.

Chemical Signaling in the Brain

Mechanisms of communication between neurons through neurotransmitters.

Homeostasis Regulation

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions.

Brainstem's Role

Vital for survival, controlling essential body functions without conscious thought.

Neurological Assessments

Tests conducted to evaluate the nervous system's functionality.

Cranial Nerve Assessment

Evaluations that determine the health and function of cranial nerves.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Functions

Fluid that cushions the brain, removes waste, and circulates nutrients.

Neuronal Plasticity

The ability of the nervous system to adapt or reorganize itself.

Neuroanatomy Basics

The study of the structure of the nervous system.

Clinical Implications of Brainstem Damage

Potential effects on basic life functions and reflexes due to brainstem injury.