1. Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Frolich, Brainstem Brain Tidbit II: Brainstem Medulla oblongata Pons Mesencephalon (midbrain)

2. Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Frolich, Brainstem What is brainstem? Interior inferior “core” of brain Includes all parts of brain except: –Cerebral hemispheres –Cerebellum –Diencephalon –(remember “2-oval skull”) Think direct autonomic control “2-oval skull” (brainstem deep and inferior) Cerebral hemispheres Cerebellum

3. Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Frolich, Brainstem Medulla oblongata (relay from the spinal cord) What is it? Extension of spinal cord into cranial cavity All motor and sensory information to and from peripheral nerves via spinal cord passes through Central canal of spinal cord opens into fourth ventricle What it does? Autonomic nuclei control visceral activity –Cardio-vascular: heart rate, strength of heart contractions, vasomotor (blood vessel opening) Respiratory rhythmicity center Nuclei for Cranial Nerves VIII-XII Relay for sensory and motor information to other brain regions

4. Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Frolich, Brainstem

5. Pons (relay from “lower” to “higher” functions) Links higher to lower brain region Nuclei for Cranial Nerves V-VIII Nuclei that control respiration Part of “metencephalon”

6. Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Frolich, Brainstem Midbrain/Mesencephalon (integration of information for reflexive movements) Superior to pons Deep within brain Superior and inferior colliculi—initiate reflexive responses to visual and auditory input Substantia nigra and red nuclei (basal ganglia)—background skeletal muscle tone Nuclei for Cranial Nerves III, IV

7. Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Frolich, Brainstem

8. Interactive overview of basic regions of brain from PBS [link]link