The brainstem is similar to the spinal cord but contains
embedded nuclei
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Functions of the brain stem
• Controls automatic behaviors necessary for survival
• Provides the pathway for tracts between higher and lower brain centers
• Associated with 10 of the 12 pairs of cranial nerves
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the brainstem contains three regions called
* medulla oglongata * pons * midbrain
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Midbrain structures include
* Cerebral peduncles – two structures that contain descending pyramidal motor tracts * Cerebral aqueduct – hollow tube that connects the third and fourth ventricles * Corpora quadrigemina – four domelike protrusions of the dorsal midbrain (superior and inferior colliculi) * Superior colliculi – visual reflex centers * Inferior colliculi – auditory relay centers * Substantia nigra – functionally linked to basal nuclei * Red nucleus - part of descending motor pathways * (Call Courtney Cause She Is Super Reliable)
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Fibers of the pons connect
the brain and the spinal cord, and relay impulses between the motor cortex and the cerebellum.
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Ascending sensory tracts and nuclei as well as descending motor (corticospinal) tracts lay within
the medulla
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Crossover (decussation) of the corticospinal fibers occurs at this level forming pyramids.
ascending sensory tract and descending motor tract
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Some of the centers found in the medulla oblongata are
â–Ş Cardiovascular control center
â–Ş Respiratory centers
â–Ş Centers for other reflexes are located here: vomiting, hiccupping, swallowing, etc
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Cardiovascular control center
adjusts force and rate of heart contraction, and diameter of the vessels
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Respiratory centers
control rate and depth of breathing
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the cerebellum provides
precise timing and appropriate patterns of skeletal muscle contraction
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Cerebellar activity occurs
subconsciously.
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The cerebellum consists of two hemispheres connected by the
vermis that rest on the cerebellar peduncles
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what makes up the cerebellar cortex
* Gray matter * scattered nuclei * internal white matter fill the rest of the structure.
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Cerebellar peduncles are three paired fiber tracts that connect the cerebellum to the brain stem
* the superior peduncles connect to the midbrain * the middle peduncles connect to the pons * the inferior peduncles connect to the medulla
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The cerebellum receives impulses that initiate
voluntary muscle contraction
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Proprioceptors and visual signals…
“inform” the cerebellum of the body’s condition.
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The cerebellar cortex calculates
the best way to perform a movement.
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A “blueprint” of coordinated movement is sent to
the cerebral motor cortex
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The cerebellum plays a role in
* language and problem solving * It recognizes and predicts sequences of events.