Two Minute Neuroscience: The Brainstem

Overview

• The brainstem is a stalk that connects the brain to the spinal cord.
• Contains pathways between the brain, spinal cord, and other areas like the cerebellum.
• Essential for survival and cognitive functioning.
• Composed of three major parts: medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain.

Medulla Oblongata

• Connection point to the spinal cord.
• Essential for vital system regulation (cardiovascular, respiratory).
• Contains nuclei for reflexive actions: vomiting, swallowing, coughing, sneezing.
• Several cranial nerves exit at this level.

Pons

• Named "pons" meaning "bridge" in Latin; appears as a rounded bridge.
• Connects medulla and midbrain.
• Houses cranial nerve nuclei.
• Functions include:
  • Sensations from head and face.
  • Motor movement of eyes, face, and mouth.
  • Hearing and equilibrium.
  • Autonomic functions (tear and saliva production).

Midbrain

• Final part of the brainstem connecting to the cerebrum.
• Posterior side features the superior and inferior colliculi:
  • Superior colliculi: Eye movements, visual processing.
  • Inferior colliculi: Auditory processing.
• Contains major dopamine-producing nuclei:
  • Ventral tegmental area: Involved in motivation and reward.
  • Substantia nigra: Important for movement control.