Diencephalon, Brainstem, Cerebellum, Cranial Nerves, and Punchlist

Diencephalon

Sensory relay center, controls autonomic functions, linked with limbic system

Epithalamus

Plays role in pain and reward processing, contains pineal gland

Pineal gland

Releases melatonin to maintain circadian rhythm

Thalamus

Sensory and motor relay center between brainstem and cerebral cortex, critical for consciousness, sleep and alertness

Fornix

Separates thalamus from lateral ventricle, associated with limbic system

Hypothalamus

Regulates homeostasis through controlling autonomic function

Subthalamus

Associated with basal ganglia, involved in motor control

Basal Ganglia

Deep brain nuclei in cerebral hemispheres and surrounding thalamus; essential for motor control, cognition, emotion, and motivation

Limbic System

Structures that regulate behaviors such as memory, emotions, homeostatic functions, and motivational states

PCA, ACA, posterior communicating

Blood supply of diencephalon

Brain Stem

Conduit for tracts ascending/descending through CNS, house cranial nerves, location of reflex centers related to vital functions

Mid Brain

Cerebral aqueduct, associated with CN III and IV

Pons

A brain structure that relays information from the cerebellum to the rest of the brain, associated with CN V

Medulla Oblongata

Part of the brainstem that controls vital life-sustaining functions such as heartbeat, breathing, blood pressure, and digestion, associated with CN IX, X, and XII

PCA, Basilar (superior cerebellar a.)

Blood Supply of Midbrain

Basilar (specifically the AICA and the superior cerebellar arteries)

Blood supply of Pons

Vertebral (Anterior and Posterior Spinal A, and PICA)

Blood supply of Medulla Oblongata

Vermis

Connects hemispheres of cerebellum

Cerebellum

Plays role in maintaining balance, coordination, and postural control

PICA, AICA, Superior Cerebellar

Blood supply of cerebellum

Junction of Pons and Medulla

Associated with CN 6-8

CN III, CN IV, CN VI (oculomotor, trochlear, abducent)

CN associated with Ocular palsies

Cervical Vertebra

C1-C7

Thoracic Vertebra

T1-T12

Lumbar Vertebra

L1-L5

Sacrum

Coccyx

Vertebral Body

Pedicle

Lamina

Transverse process

Spinous process

Vertebral Foramen