What are the three main parts of the brainstem?

The brainstem consists of three parts, arranged from inferior to superior: medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain.

What vital functions does the brainstem control?

The brainstem houses critical autonomic centers for essential functions, including respiration, cardiovascular regulation, and reflexes like swallowing and vomiting. It also contains the reticular formation, which regulates consciousness and sleep-wake cycles.

How does the brainstem connect to other parts of the nervous system?

The brainstem connects the forebrain (diencephalon and cerebrum) with the spinal cord. It serves as a conduit for ascending sensory and descending motor pathways and provides origin or termination for cranial nerves III–XII.

What is the role of the medulla oblongata?

The medulla oblongata is the lowest part of the brainstem and hosts essential autonomic centers for cardiovascular regulation, respiration control (with the pons), and reflexes like swallowing and vomiting. It also contains structures like the pyramids and olives.

What structures are found in the midbrain?

The midbrain contains key features such as the tectum (with superior and inferior colliculi for reflexes), cerebral aqueduct, and cerebral peduncles. It also houses nuclei for cranial nerves III and IV.

How is grey matter organized in the brainstem?

In the brainstem, grey matter is organized into distinct clusters called nuclei, including cranial nerve nuclei (III to XII) and named nuclei like the red nucleus and substantia nigra. This differs from the spinal cord, where grey matter is central.

What is the function of the pons in the brainstem?

The pons acts as a bridge connecting the cerebellar hemispheres via middle cerebellar peduncles. It contains pontine nuclei for motor relay to the cerebellum and centers in its dorsal part that regulate respiration and sleep.

Brainstem – Midbrain, Pons & Medulla Overview

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