Lecture 10 Neuro

Basilar Area

Part of the brainstem focused on motor functions.

Tegmentum

Integrates sensory information, cranial nerve functions, and arousal.

Tectum

Handles eye reflexes and reflexive head movements.

Reticular Formation (RF)

Integrates sensory signals and regulates motor activity, autonomics, and consciousness.

Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA)

Produces dopamine; associated with motivation and reward.

Pedunculopontine Nucleus (PPN)

Active during wakefulness & REM; influences movement. Acetylcholine

Raphe Nuclei

Produces serotonin; involved in mood and arousal.

Locus Ceruleus (LC)

Produces norepinephrine; regulates attention and pain inhibition.

Medial Reticular Area

Regulates respiration, cardiovascular, and visceral functions. NP and epinephrine

Ascending Reticular Activating System (ARAS)

Essential for consciousness, alertness, and attention.

Sleep

A regulated loss of consciousness actively induced by ARAS.

Medulla

Coordinates eye/head movements, swallowing, and vital functions.

Pons

Relays motor commands and processes cranial nerves.

Cerebral peduncle

Contains motor cortex outputs.

Substantia nigra

Involved in movement control.

Corticobulbar

controls face

Ipsilateral

Refers to the same side.

Contralateral

Refers to the opposite side.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing.

Dysarthria

Slurred speech.

Diplopia

Double vision.

Dysmetria

Poor movement coordination.

Coma

State with no arousal or response.

Stupor

A state where the person only responds to strong stimuli.

Obtunded

State characterized by drowsiness or confusion.

Vegetative state

No conscious awareness, but vital functions intact.

Hydrocephalus

Buildup of cerebrospinal fluid.

Epidural hematoma

Rapid arterial bleed with a brief lucid interval.

Meningitis

Condition with headache, fever, stiff neck, and photophobia.

Circle of Willis

Network of arteries supplying blood to the brain.

Cerebral edema

Swelling in the brain that may cause intracranial hypertension.

Blood-Brain Barrier

Selective permeability barrier to protect the brain.