Brainstem

the brainstem connects the cerebrum, spinal cord, cerebellum, and cranial nerves. Most of the gray matter is on the inside. white matter outside, but it is a bit more mixed.

most cranial nerves are attached to brainstem.

• motor, sensory, automatic functions mostly in head and neck. a few travel to trunk and limbs.

Long tracts - axons travelling long distance through CNS connecting cerebrum to spinal cord, passing through brainstem

• motor (UMN)

• somatosensory

Reticular formation: scattered brainstem neruons. plays role in autonomic functions like respiration, digestion, etc. projects axon to cerebrum and helps with higher functions.

• midbrain

• pons

• medulla