Neuroscience Study Questions - Brainstem & Cranial Nerves

What are the three primary structures of the Brainstem

Midbrain, Pons, Medulla

Developmental Name for the Midbrain

Mesencephalon

Developmental Name for the Pons

Metecephalon

Developmental Name for the Medulla

Myelencephalon

Do all three of these structures have connections to the cerebellum, cerebrum, & spinal cord?

Midbrain: Connections to cerebellum and cerebrum

Pons: Connections to the cerebellum

Medulla: Connections to the pons and spinal cords

Which division of the brainstem is the Tectum present in?

The tectum is present in the midbrain, specifically more dorsal at the inferior and superior colliculi

Which division of the brainstem is the Tegamentum present in?

All three structures of the brainstem

What ventricle runs with the medulla & pons?

The 4th ventricle

What hole is found in the Midbrain?

Cerebral Aqueduct

What is the difference between the cerebellar and cerebral peduncles

Cerebellar: Motor Functions

Cerebral: Coordination & Feedback

Where are the cerebral peduncles located

On the midbrain, and they project up into the cerebrum

Where are the cerebellar peduncles located

Superior: Midbrain

Middle: Pons

Inferior: Medulla

Where does the cerebral aqueduct & 4th ventricle sit in relation to each of the brainstem structures?

On the dorsal side of the brainstem, but ventral to cerebellum.

• Midbrain: Cerebral Aqueduct between the tectum and tegamentum

• Pons & Medulla: 4th ventricle.

How many cranial nerves are there?

12 (one on each side so technically 24)

Which two are not considered to be peripheral Nerves and why?

CN I & II, they are projections within the CNS and do not exit the skull.

What would provide myelin around CN III-XII

Schwann cells

What provides myelin to CN I-II

Oligodendrocytes

Name which CN Arise from the Midbrain

CN III & IV

Name which CN Arise from the Pons

CN V-VIII

Name which CN Arise from the Medulla

CN IX - XII

Describe the location and function of the medullary pyramids

Located ventral to the medulla and medial to the olives. They are responsible for motor tracts

Describe the location and function of the medullary olives

Located in the medulla dorsally & lateral to the pyramids and its function is Auditory sensory tract

Rostral vs Caudal Structures Example.

Pons are rostral to the medulla.

Midbrain Blood Supply

PCA

Pons Blood Supply

Superior cerebellar a. Basilar a

Medulla Blood Supply

PICA & anterior spinal a.