Exam #1: Introduction to the Brainstem

Question 1

What are the three structures of the brainstem?

Answer 1

1) Midbrain
2) Pons
3) Medulla

Question 2

Where is the cerebral aqueduct in relation to the brainstem?

Answer 2

Between the tectum & tegmentum of the midbrain

Question 3

What is the anterior median fissure?

Answer 3

Ventral fissure of the brainstem

Question 4

What is the posterior median sulcus?

Answer 4

Dorsal sulcus of the braimstem

Question 5

Where is the 4th ventricle in relation to the brainstem?

Answer 5

Posterior to the pons i.e. rostral medulla

Question 6

What is the rule of four?

Answer 6

12 Cranial Nerves
3 Parts of the brainstem

= 4 CN per section of the brainstem

Question 7

Where do CN I & II come from? What about III & IV?

Answer 7

• Brain itself, NOT the brainstem
• III= ventral midbrain
• IV= dorsal midbrain

Question 8

Where do CN V, VI, VII, & VIII origiante?

Answer 8

Pontomedullary junction

Question 9

Where do CN IX, X, XI, & XII originate?

Answer 9

Brainstem

Question 10

What is the infandibulum? Where is it located? What kind of symptoms are seen with a tumor of the infandibulum?

Answer 10

Pituitary stalk–the optic chiasm is directly over

Tumor= changes in vision

Question 11

What CN originates inferior to the Corpora Quadrigemini?

Answer 11

CN IV

Question 12

What is the rhomboid fossa? What is contained in the Rhomboid fossa?

Answer 12

4th ventricle

Facial colliculus–CN VII

Question 13

What is the hypoglossal trigone?

Answer 13

This is where the hypoglossal nerve comes off the brainstem; the hypoglossal nucleus is deep to the trigone

Question 14

What is the vagal trigone?

Answer 14

This is where the vagus nerve comes off the brainstem; the vagal nucleus is deep to the trigone

Question 15

What are the Gracile Tubercle & Cuneate Tubercle?

Answer 15

Swelling in the medulla from the Facisuclus Gracilis (medial) & Fasiculis Cuneatus (lateral)

Question 16

What is the sulcus limitans?

Answer 16

In the floor of the fourth ventricle, the sulcus limitans separates the cranial nerve motor nuclei (medial) from the sensory nuclei (lateral)
- Between= both

*Separates midline structure from lateral structures

Question 17

What is the open medulla?

Answer 17

Where the 4th ventricle becomes visible on cross-section in the rostal medulla/ near the ponto-medullary junction

Question 18

What is the function of the basilar pons?

Answer 18

Motor function

Question 19

What is the function of the tegmentum?

Answer 19

Multisynaptic network of neurons that is involved in many unconscious homeostatic and reflexive pathways.

Question 20

What is the function of the tectum?

Answer 20

Corpora Quadragemi
Superior= auditory
Inferior= hearing

Question 21

What is the hallmark for the medulla? What tells you if you’re rostral or caudal?

Answer 21

Inferior olivary nucleus= hallmark for the medulla

*Open vs. closed i.e. 4th ventricle tells you if you’re rostral or caudal

Question 22

What is the inferior cerebellar peduncle?

Answer 22

Connects the spinal cord and medulla oblongata with the cerebellum

Question 23

What is the middle cerebellar peduncle?

Answer 23

Connect the cerebellum to the pons

Question 24

What is the superior cerebellar peduncle?

Answer 24

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Question 25

What is the periaqueductal gray? What is the function?

Answer 25

Gray matter that surrounds the cerebral aqueduct in the midbrain; functions to transmit pain signals

Question 26

What are the four CN that are both motor & sensory?

Answer 26

CN V
CN VII
CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
XN X (Vagus)

Question 27

Describe the CN orientation around the olive.

Answer 27

Medial= CN XII
Lateal= CN IX, X, XI

Question 28

Where is the nucleus located for CN XI?

Answer 28

In the spinal cord–“Spinal Accessory”