Brainstem Overview and Internal Structure

Brainstem Overview

• The brainstem connects the cerebrum, cerebellum, and spinal cord, and is a complex structure that plays a crucial role in integrating the nervous system.
• The brainstem is divided into three main parts: midbrain, pons, and medulla, each with distinct shapes and structures.

Internal Structure of the Brainstem

• The brainstem has grey matter on the inside and white matter on the outside, similar to the spinal cord, but with a more mixed arrangement.
• The grey matter in the brainstem is scattered and distributed, forming the reticular formation, which plays a key role in autonomic functions, such as circulation, respiration, and digestion.
• The reticular formation also sends axons to the cerebrum, participating in higher functions like cognition, emotion, and consciousness.

Long Tracts in the Brainstem

• Long tracts are collections of axons that travel long distances through the central nervous system, passing through the brainstem.
• There are two main categories of long tracts: motor tracts and somatosensory tracts.
• Motor tracts are involved in motor functions, and somatosensory tracts carry sensory information to the cerebrum.

Cranial Nerves

• The brainstem is where most of the 12 pairs of cranial nerves are attached.
• Cranial nerves perform various functions, including motor, sensory, and autonomic functions, such as hearing, taste, and reflexes.
• Cranial nerves are related to the grey matter in the brainstem, including discrete nuclei and the reticular formation.

Functions of the Brainstem

• The brainstem plays a crucial role in controlling autonomic functions, such as circulation, respiration, and digestion.
• The brainstem is involved in higher functions, such as cognition, emotion, and consciousness.
• The brainstem is responsible for integrating information from the cerebrum, cerebellum, and spinal cord, and plays a key role in the functioning of the nervous system.

Brainstem Overview

• Connects cerebrum, cerebellum, and spinal cord, integrating the nervous system.
• Divided into three main parts: midbrain, pons, and medulla, each with distinct shapes and structures.

Internal Structure of the Brainstem

• Grey matter on the inside, white matter on the outside, with a more mixed arrangement compared to the spinal cord.
• Grey matter scattered and distributed, forming the reticular formation, which plays a key role in autonomic functions.
• Reticular formation sends axons to the cerebrum, participating in higher functions like cognition, emotion, and consciousness.

Long Tracts in the Brainstem

• Long tracts are collections of axons that travel long distances through the central nervous system.
• Two main categories of long tracts: motor tracts (involved in motor functions) and somatosensory tracts (carry sensory information to the cerebrum).

Cranial Nerves

• Most of the 12 pairs of cranial nerves are attached to the brainstem.
• Cranial nerves perform various functions, including motor, sensory, and autonomic functions.
• Cranial nerves are related to the grey matter in the brainstem, including discrete nuclei and the reticular formation.

Functions of the Brainstem

• Controls autonomic functions, such as circulation, respiration, and digestion.
• Involved in higher functions, such as cognition, emotion, and consciousness.
• Integrates information from the cerebrum, cerebellum, and spinal cord, playing a key role in the functioning of the nervous system.

Brainstem Overview

• Connects cerebrum, cerebellum, and spinal cord, integrating the nervous system.
• Divided into three main parts: midbrain, pons, and medulla, each with distinct shapes and structures.

Internal Structure of the Brainstem

• Grey matter on the inside, white matter on the outside, with a more mixed arrangement compared to the spinal cord.
• Grey matter scattered and distributed, forming the reticular formation, which plays a key role in autonomic functions.
• Reticular formation sends axons to the cerebrum, participating in higher functions like cognition, emotion, and consciousness.

Long Tracts in the Brainstem

• Long tracts are collections of axons that travel long distances through the central nervous system.
• Two main categories of long tracts: motor tracts (involved in motor functions) and somatosensory tracts (carry sensory information to the cerebrum).

Cranial Nerves

• Most of the 12 pairs of cranial nerves are attached to the brainstem.
• Cranial nerves perform various functions, including motor, sensory, and autonomic functions.
• Cranial nerves are related to the grey matter in the brainstem, including discrete nuclei and the reticular formation.

Functions of the Brainstem

• Controls autonomic functions, such as circulation, respiration, and digestion.
• Involved in higher functions, such as cognition, emotion, and consciousness.
• Integrates information from the cerebrum, cerebellum, and spinal cord, playing a key role in the functioning of the nervous system.

Brainstem Overview

• Connects cerebrum, cerebellum, and spinal cord, integrating the nervous system.
• Divided into three main parts: midbrain, pons, and medulla, each with distinct shapes and structures.

Internal Structure of the Brainstem

• Grey matter on the inside, white matter on the outside, with a more mixed arrangement compared to the spinal cord.
• Grey matter scattered and distributed, forming the reticular formation, which plays a key role in autonomic functions.
• Reticular formation sends axons to the cerebrum, participating in higher functions like cognition, emotion, and consciousness.

Long Tracts in the Brainstem

• Long tracts are collections of axons that travel long distances through the central nervous system.
• Two main categories of long tracts: motor tracts (involved in motor functions) and somatosensory tracts (carry sensory information to the cerebrum).

Cranial Nerves

• Most of the 12 pairs of cranial nerves are attached to the brainstem.
• Cranial nerves perform various functions, including motor, sensory, and autonomic functions.
• Cranial nerves are related to the grey matter in the brainstem, including discrete nuclei and the reticular formation.

Functions of the Brainstem

• Controls autonomic functions, such as circulation, respiration, and digestion.
• Involved in higher functions, such as cognition, emotion, and consciousness.
• Integrates information from the cerebrum, cerebellum, and spinal cord, playing a key role in the functioning of the nervous system.