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NEUROANATOMY EXAM STUDY SHEET
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VENTRICULAR SYSTEM + MISCELLANY
General Flow of CSF: The two LATERAL VENTRICLES ------> FORAMEN OF MONROE
------> THIRD VENTRICLE ------> CEREBRAL AQUEDUCT ------> FOURTH
VENTRICLE
- Foramen of Monroe: Connects each Lateral Ventricle to the Third Ventricle.
- Cerebral Aqueduct: Connects the Third Ventricle to the Fourth Ventricle.
- Central Canal: The Central Canal of the Spinal Cord is formed as a continuation
of the Fourth Ventricle, as it narrows through the Foramen Magnum.
- Median Aperture (Foramen of Magendie): Connects the Third Ventricle to the
Subarachnoid Space, medially.
- Lateral Aperture (Foramen of Luschka): Connects the Third Ventricle to the
Subarachnoid Space, laterally.
- ARACHNOID GRANULATIONS: This is how CSF leaves the Ventricles, to enter
the Superior Sagittal Sinus.
- HYDROCEPHALUS: Any blockage of the flow of cerebrospinal fluid will result in
hydrocephalus.
LATERAL VENTRICLES: They are the primary makers of CSF, and they have four major
parts, corresponding to the cerebral hemispheres.
- Anterior Horn: That part in the Frontal Lobe.
- Body: That part in the Parietal Lobe.
- Inferior Horn: That part in the Temporal Lobe.
- Posterior Horn: That part in the Occipital Lobe.
COLLATERAL SULCUS: Divides phylogenetically the Archicortex medially from the
Neocortex laterally.
- Archicortex: Basically the Parahippocampal Gyrus and Diencephalon.
- The Uncus is in the Archicortex.
- Neocortex: The rest of the cortex.
CRANIAL NERVE NUCLEI: Where they are located.
| CN NUCLEUS |
LOCATION |
| Spinal Trigeminal Nucleus (V) |
Medulla: It's right next to the Inferior Cerebellar
Peduncle
Pons: It's right next to the Middle Cerebellar
Peduncle |
| Spinal Trigeminal Tract (V) |
Throughout the Brainstem
Lateral to the Spinal Trigeminal Nucleus |
| Hypoglossal Nucleus (XII) |
Closed Medulla
Dorsal to the MLF, Central in the internal arcuate
decussation |
| Dorsal Motor Nucleus (X) |
Early Open Medulla
Dorsolateral to Hypoglossal Nucleus, in Central
Grey |
| Solitary Tract and Nucleus (IX,
X) |
Early Open Medulla
The Tract is a dark spot in the Reticular Formation |
| Nucleus Ambiguus (IX, X, XI) |
Early Open Medulla
Laterally in the Reticular Formation, near the
Inferior Cerebellar Peduncle |
| Spinal Vestibular Nucleus (VIII) |
Open Medulla
It's more pigmented; located just medial to inferior
Cerebella Peduncle, on dorsal surface. |
| Medial Vestibular Nucleus
(VIII) |
Open Medulla
It's less pigmented; medial to Spinal Vestibular
Nucleus |
| Dorsal Cochlear Nucleus (VIII) |
Open Medulla
Lateral to Inferior Cerebellar Peduncle, just
proximal to nerve |
| Ventral Cochlear Nucleus (VIII) |
Open Medulla
Almost in the nerve |
| COCHLEAR NERVE (VIII) |
Open Medulla
It exits lateral to the Inferior Cerebellar Peduncle |
| Facial Nucleus (VII) |
Pontomedullary Junction
Floor of the Fourth Ventricle, just lateral to
Abducens Nucleus |
| FACIAL NERVE (VII) |
Pontomedullary Junction
It can be seen crossing the Reticular Formation on
right side, and coursing more laterally through
Pons |
| Abducens Nucleus (VI) |
Pons
Very dorsal surface of Pons; floor of the fourth
ventricle medially |
| ABDUCENS NERVE (VI) |
Pons
Can be seen coursing medially through Pons |
| Main Sensory Trigeminal
Nucleus (V) |
Pons
Right next to Middle Cerebellar Peduncle |
| Motor Trigeminal Nucleus (V) |
Pons
Just medial to Main Sensory of V |
| Mesencephalic Trigeminal
Nucleus (V) |
Pons
Right below the Superior Cerebellar Peduncle |
| TRIGEMINAL NERVE (V) |
Pons (caudal Pons)
Can be seen exiting off the CN-V Nuclei, near the
MCP |
| TROCHLEAR NERVE (IV) |
Pontomesencephalic Junction (After MCP)
It can be seen exiting dorsally |
| Trochlear Nucleus (IV) |
Mesencephalon (Inferior Colliculus)
Central Gray, above MLF |
| Oculomotor Nucleus (III) |
Mesencephalon (Superior Colliculus)
Central Gray, inside the "V" of the MLF |
| Edinger-Westphal Nucleus (III) |
Mesencephalon (Superior Colliculus)
Central Gray, directly dorsal to Oculomotor
Nucleus |
| OCULOMOTOR NERVE (III) |
Mesencephalon (Rostrum)
Can be seen coursing between Red Nuclei, and
exiting out of Interpeduncular Fossa |
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BLOOD SUPPLY TO THE CNS
ANTERIOR CIRCULATION: Basically the Carotid System.
- Supplies:
- The Eye (via Ophthalmic Arteries) off of Internal Carotid.
- The anterior (forebrain) deep structures (via Anterior Cerebral) of each
cerebral hemisphere.
- The lateral surface of each cerebral hemisphere (via Middle Cerebral)
- The medial forebrain, as far back as the Parieto-Occipital Sulcus (via
Anterior Cerebral)
- FOUR SEGMENTS OF THE INTERNAL CAROTID:
- Cervical Segment: From Bifurcation to The Carotid Canal
- Petrous Segment: As it goes through the Carotid Canal, in Petrous
Temporal bone.
- Small branches given off which won't be covered.
- CAROTID SIPHON (S-SHAPED): An S-Shape is made from two segments:
- Cavernous Segment: Goes through Cavernous Sinus, turning a little
laterally, before it enters cranial cavity, medial to the Anterior Clinoid
Process.
- BRANCHES = a few small branches to supply the dura mater
in the cavernous sinus.
- Supraclinoid Segment: Right on the other side of the Cavernous
Sinus.
- BRANCHES = Middle Cerebral Artery and Anterior Cerebral
Artery.
- BRANCHES OF THE INTERNAL CAROTID:
- Ophthalmic Artery: The eye, anastomosis with supraorbital face, Meninges
and Falx Cerebri.
- Posterior Communicating Artery joins the Posterior Cerebral Artery
- Anterior Choroidal Artery: Supplies the choroid plexus in the anterior horn
of the lateral ventricle.
- MESENCEPHALON + BASAL GANGLIA: Also supplies posterior
limb of internal capsule, and parts of the Thalamus and Lentiform
Nucleus.
- Anterior Cerebral Artery
- Middle Cerebral Artery
- ANTERIOR CEREBRAL ARTERY: Enters cranial cavity at the Longitudinal
Fissure.
- Anastomoses with other anterior cerebral artery via the Anterior
Communicating.
- TWO SEGMENTS:
- A1 SEGMENT: That portion that is proximal to the Anterior
Communicating Artery.
- Gives off the anteromedial and medial striate arteries
through the anterior perforating substance.
- A2 SEGMENT: That portion distal to the Anterior Communicating
Artery.
- It divides into branches to supply the medial, frontal cerebral
cortex up to the parieto-occipital fissure.
- SUPPLIES The entire medial surface of each cerebral hemisphere,
except for the Occipital Pole.
- Supplies the medial 1/3 of the Frontal Lobe on the Orbital Surface,
whereas the MCA supplies the lateral 2/3.
- MIDDLE CEREBRAL ARTERY: Enters the Sylvian Fissure and then bifurcates
into two main branches (Anterior and Posterior)
- SUPPLIES
- Lateral (parietal) hemisphere. Thus it supplies the Primary
Somatosensory Cortex.
- Lateral surface of Temporal Lobe. Thus it supplies the Primary
Auditory Cortex.
- Lateral 2/3 of Orbital (Frontal) Lobe. Thus it supplies part of the
Primary Motor Cortex.
POSTERIOR CIRCULATION: Basically the vertebral system.
- Supplies:
- The Spinal Cord.
- The Brain Steam: Medulla, Pons, most of Mesencephalon
- All of the Cerebellum
- SEGMENTS OF THE VERTEBRAL ARTERIES:
- Soft Tissue Segment: Subclavian Arteries ------> C6 Foramen
Transversarium, i.e. until the point when they enter the interior of the
vertebral canal.
- Intervertebral Segment: Inside the vertebral canal, from C6 ------> Atlas
------> Foramen Magnum
- Gives off important branches that anastomose with Anterior and
Posterior Spinal Arteries.
- ATLAS: Before they enter the foramen magnum, they pass
horizontally on the upper surface of the Atlas, to enter the cranium
just ventrolateral to the cervicomedullary junction.
- Intracranial Segment: That portion within the dura, distal to the foramen
magnum.
- TWO PREBASILAR BRANCHES are then given off, before the
Vertebral goes on to form the Basilar Artery.
- ANTERIOR SPINAL ARTERY: Descend back down ventral
aspect of spinal cord.
- POSTERIOR INFERIOR CEREBELLAR ARTERY (PICA)
supplies the lateral medulla and part of the cerebellum. Paired
arteries.
- BASILAR ARTERY: The terminal segment of the Vertebral Arteries, where
the two vertebrals join each other.
- BRANCHES:
- ANTERIOR INFERIOR CEREBELLAR ARTERY (AICA):
Sends numerous branches to caudal Pons and Rostral
Medulla.
- SUPERIOR CEREBELLAR ARTERY (SCA): Superior aspect
of Cerebellum, given off before the Basilar joins the Circle of
Willis
- POSTERIOR CEREBRAL ARTERY (PCA): Given off in the
Circle of Willis
- Terminal Branches that SUPPLY the Pons.
- Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (AICA):
- Supplies the Pontomedullary Junction
- Then ascend to cerebellum to supply its named part.
- POSTERIOR CEREBRAL ARTERIES: The terminal branch of the Basilar Artery.
These arteries officially begin the posterior limb of the Circle of Willis.
- SUPPLIES
- The entire Occipital Lobe. Thus it supplies the Primary Visual
Cortex.
- The Tentorial surface of the Temporal Lobe.
CIRCLE OF WILLIS: The anastomotic arterial connections supplying the cranial cavity.
The two main supplies to the brain are the Internal Carotid and Vertebral Arteries, and they
communicate through the Circle of Willis.
- All three of the Cerebral Arteries are given off in the Circle of Willis, while the
Cerebellar Arteries are given off before the Circle of Willis.
- POSTERIOR CEREBRAL ARTERIES: Terminal Branches of the Basilar.
- MIDDLE CEREBRAL ARTERIES: Branches off at the point where the
Internal Carotids join the circle.
- ANTERIOR CEREBRAL ARTERIES: The junction of the Anterior
Communicating and Internal Carotid Arteries.
- Posterior Communicating Artery connects the Posterior Cerebral (from Basilar)
to the Internal Carotid Artery. This is the major anastomosis between the Carotid
and Vertebral arterial channels.
- Anterior Communicating Artery: Connects the Anterior Cerebellar Arteries to
each other. This is the major anastomosis of the Right and Left Internal Carotids
with each other.
- UNEVEN DISTRIBUTION: It is not uncommon to find one side of the Circle-of-Willis
arteries to much larger than the other, carrying the majority of blood-flow.
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THE SPINAL CORD
FUNICULI OF SPINAL CORD:
- DORSAL FUNICULUS: The Funiculus between the Dorsolateral Sulci on either
side, and the Dorsal Median Fissure in the middle.
- CONTENTS:
- Fasciculus Gracilis
- Fasciculus Cuneatus
- SEGMENTOTOPIC ORGANIZATION: The segmentotopic organization of
the sensory dorsal columns is Sacral ------> Cervical as you go from
Medial ------> Lateral.
- This makes sense if you think about the order in which fibers enter
the dorsal columns. At the bottom of the spine, the sacral segments
come in, then the lumbar segments on laid "on top of" (i.e. lateral to)
those, etc.
- LATERAL FUNICULUS: The Funiculus between the Dorsolateral Sulcus and
Ventrolateral Sulcus.
- CONTENTS:
- The lateral half of the Anterolateral System, containing the Lateral
Spinothalamic Tract.
- The Lateral Corticospinal Tract.
- The Lateral Spinocerebellar Tract.
- VENTRAL FUNICULUS The Funiculus between the Ventrolateral Sulci on either
side, and the Ventral Median Fissure in the middle.
- CONTENTS:
- The anterior half of the Anterolateral System, containing the Lateral
Spinothalamic Tract.
- The Ventral Spinocerebellar Tract
SENSORY (ASCENDING) TRACTS: Sensory Tracts are Three-Neuron Chains.
- Fasciculus Gracilis: Median half of Dorsal Funiculus.
- PATH:
- PRIMARY NEURON: Dermatomal levels T7 and below ------>
Dorsal Root and into spinal cord ------> ascend up the cord without
synapsing ------> Nucleus Gracilis in Caudal Medulla where it
SYNAPSES
- SECONDARY NEURON: Nucleus Gracilis ------> Sensory
Decussation where it crosses midline ------> Medial Lemniscus on
Contralateral side ------> join with Anterolateral System to converge
on Ventral Posterior Nucleus (VPL) of Thalamus, where it
SYNAPSES
- TERTIARY NEURON: Thalamus ------> Sensory (Post-Central)
Cortex
- MODALITY: Discriminative touch and proprioception. The fasciculus gracilis
consists of large myelinated fibers.
- LESION: Ipsilateral loss of discriminative touch for all levels below (distal to)
the lesion.
- SEGMENTOTOPIC ORGANIZATION: Sacral is most medial and T7 is most
lateral. As you continue laterally from there, you get into the Fasciculus
Cuneatus.
- Fasciculus Cuneatus: Lateral half of Dorsal Funiculus
- PATH:
- PRIMARY NEURON: Dermatomal levels T6 and above ------>
Dorsal Root and into spinal cord ------> ascend up the cord without
synapsing ------> Nucleus Cuneatus in Caudal Medulla where it
SYNAPSES
- SECONDARY NEURON: Nucleus Cuneatus ------> Internal
Arcuate Fibers which Decussate (cross) above the Pyramidal
Decussation ------> Medial Lemniscus on Contralateral side
------> join with Anterolateral System to converge on Ventral
Posterior Nucleus (VPL) of Thalamus, where it SYNAPSES
- TERTIARY NEURON: VPL of Thalamus ------> Sensory (Post-Central) Cortex
- MODALITY: Discriminative touch and proprioception.
- LESION: Ipsilateral loss of discriminative touch for all levels below (distal)
to the lesion, down to level T7.
- SEGMENTOTOPIC ORGANIZATION: T6 is the most medially placed in this
tract, while Cervical levels are most lateral. Segmentotopically, the
Fasciculus Cuneatus is simply an extension of the Gracilis above.
- Lateral Spinothalamic Tract: Part of the Anterolateral System, located in both the
lateral and anterior funiculi.
- PATH:
- PRIMARY NEURON: Sensory Transduction ------> Through Dorsal
Root Ganglion without synapsing and over the Dorsal Root of the
Spinal Column ------> Lissauer's Tract, where they ascend one
level ------> Substantia Gelatinosa where it SYNAPSES
- SECONDARY NEURON: Immediately crosses midline through
Ventral White Commissure ------> Enters the Lateral
Spinothalamic Tract of the Anterolateral System on the contralateral
side ------> Ascends the spinal cord.
- MODALITY: Pain and Temperature sensation. The Lateral Spinothalamic
Tract contains small myelinated fibers.
- LESION: Contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation.
- SEGMENTOTOPIC ORGANIZATION: Sacral is most laterally placed and
Cervical is most medially placed.
- A lesion from the periphery of the spinal cord will therefore effect
sacral segments before cervical segments.
- A lesion that originates from the center of the cord will affect cervical
segments before sacral segments. This is called sacral sparing.
- Dorsal and Ventral Spinocerebellar Tracts: Located next to each other, on the
lateral aspect of the cord, in the Lateral and Ventral Funiculi respectively.
- PATH: Spinal Cord ------> ------> Cerebellum
- MODALITY: Unconscious Proprioception.
- They have unconscious effects on motor coordination.
- There is no direct cerebral processing of these signals.
- LESION: (Ipsilateral?) Loss of coordination of balance. (Whether
contralateral or ipsilateral probably doesn't matter clinically, I guess).
- Substantia Gelatinosa: The nucleus in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, where
pain and temp fibers synapse before entering anterolateral system to ascend spinal
cord.
DESCENDING (MOTOR) TRACTS in SPINAL CORD: Motor Tracts are Two-Neuron
Chains.
- Lateral Corticospinal Tract: The main voluntary (i.e. skeletal) motor tract,
containing 90% of motor fibers.
- PATH:
- PRIMARY (UPPER) MOTONEURON: Pre-Central Gyrus of Cerebral
Cortex ------> Cerebral Peduncle ------> Pons ------> Pyramids
------> Cross at Pyramidal Decussation ------> Descend spinal
cord down the contralateral Lateral Corticospinal Tract
- SECONDARY (LOWER) MOTONEURON: Cell bodies are alpha-Motoneurons in the Ventral Horn of the spinal cord ------>
innervate skeletal muscle for its respective myotome.
- MODALITY: Voluntary skeletal motor activity.
- SEGMENTOTOPIC ORGANIZATION: Sacral is most lateral and cervical is
most medial.
- This is like unfolding the pages of a book. Since the cervical
segments are the first ones to come off the tract and synapse with alpha-Motor neurons, they must be most medial to the gray matter, i.e.
closest to the Anterior Horn.
- Anterior Corticospinal Tract: Contains the 10% of motor fibers that did not cross
in the Pyramidal Decussation. Thus it is controlled by the ipsilateral motor cortex
throughout its path.
PYRAMIDAL MOTOR SYSTEM: The Lateral Corticospinal Tract, Anterior Corticospinal
Tract, and Corticobulbar Tract. All other motor systems are called extrapyramidal. Within
the pyramidal system:
- UPPER MOTOR-NEURON LESIONS: You lose control over the lower (alpha-Motor)
neurons, but they can still fire spontaneously by themselves. Thus you get the
classic triad of symptoms:
- Spastic Paralysis: Rigid paralysis. No muscle wasting.
- Hyperreflexia: For patellar reflex.
- Positive Babinski Sign: Dorsiflexion and flaring of toes when you stroke the
sole of the foot.
- LOWER (alpha-MOTOR) NEURON LESION: This is a peripheral lesion. Wallerian
Degeneration of the nerve will occur leading to denervation of muscles.
- SYMPTOMS:
- Flaccid Paralysis
- Hyporeflexia
- Weakness and wasting of muscles
- You can only lose lower motor innervation for one myotome at a time. If you
cut the spinal cord, lower motor innervation will be lost at that level, and
upper motor innervation will be lost at all levels distal to that level.
BROWN-SEQUARD SYNDROME: Oblique hemisection of spinal cord at C8.
| LOST STRUCTURE |
SYMPTOM |
NOTES |
| Dorsal Columns |
Ipsilateral loss of
proprioception and
vibratory sense below C8 |
Only gracilis is affected at
this level, and not
cuneatus. |
| Anterolateral System,
containing Lateral
Spinothalamic Tract |
Contralateral loss of pain
and temperature below T1 |
Fibers ascend one level
before crossing through
Anterior Commissure.
In case of partial lesion,
remember segmentotopic
org.: Sacral = lateral,
Cervical = medial |
| C8 Dorsal Root |
Complete loss of
sensation over C8
dermatome: Ulnar hand
and wrist |
SEGMENTAL MARKER |
| C8 Ventral Horn |
Ipsilateral Lower-Motoneuron loss over C8
myotome |
Flaccid paralysis,
hyporeflexia, weakness
and wasting.
SEGMENTAL MARKER |
| Lateral Corticospinal Tract |
Contralateral Upper
Motoneuron loss, below
level C8 |
Spastic Paralysis,
hyperreflexia, Positive
Babinski.
In case of partial lesion:
Sacral = lateral, Cervical =
medial |
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THE MEDULLA
BLOOD SUPPLY:
- Vertebral Arteries supplies caudal medulla.
- Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery supplies mid-medulla.
THE CLOSED MEDULLA
LEVEL OF THE PYRAMIDAL DECUSSATION: The Spino-Medullary Junction. The most
caudal section of the medulla, right above the Foramen Magnum.
- SENSORY NUCLEI:
- Nucleus Cuneatus: Laterally, carrying vibratory-sense neurons from upper
limb, from Fasciculus Cuneatus. The fasciculus surrounds it dorsally.
- Nucleus Gracilis: Medially, carrying vibratory-sense neurons from lower
limb, from Fasciculus Gracilis. The fasciculus surrounds it dorsally.
- MOTOR NUCLEI: The Pyramids and the Pyramidal Decussation.
- Most cervical motor fibers decussate most rostrally. More sacral fibers
decussate more caudally in the medulla.
- Anterior Corticospinal Tract: Contains the 10% of motor fibers that don't
decussate in the pyramidal decussation.
THE LEVEL OF THE INTERNAL ARCUATE DECUSSATION: Next level up, where
sensory fibers from the Nuclei Gracilis and Cuneatus are crossing, heading ventrally, to
go to the contralateral medial lemniscus.
- SEGMENTAL MARKER: HYPOGLOSSAL NUCLEUS CN XII, located just dorsal
to the Medial Longitudinal Fasciculus.
- LESION: Ipsilateral Lower-Motor Paralysis of tongue.
- When you stick your tongue out, it will deviate toward the damaged side.
- CN XII Nucleus is located toward the midline, just ventral to central grey.
- Medial Lemniscus: Carries the Contralateral Secondary Sensory Neurons for
vibratory sense.
- SEGMENTOTOPIC ORGANIZATION: Cervical is most dorsal (toward the
center), Sacral is most ventral.
LATERAL SPINOTHALAMIC TRACT: Contained in the Anterolateral System, throughout
the medulla.
- It is continuous with the spinothalamic tract of the spinal cord.
- It contains fibers for contralateral pain and temperature information. These fibers
cross in the spinal cord.
SEGMENTAL MARKERS FOR THE LOWER (CLOSED) MEDULLA:
- CRANIAL NERVE XI: SPINAL ACCESSORY NUCLEUS: It is located only in the
lower medulla.
THE TRIGEMINAL NERVE (V) AND NUCLEI -- The Nuclei are in the open and closed
medulla, and the Pons.
- SENSORY NUCLEI OF CN V: All of these fibers eventually wind up in the Ventral
Posteromedial (VPM) Nucleus of Thalamus.
- SPINAL TRIGEMINAL NUCLEUS: It is a very long nucleus, traversing the
entire length of the medulla.
- It is continuous with the Substantia Gelatinosa of the spinal cord.
- MODALITY: It houses the secondary neurons for the Pain and
Temperature pathway for the head and face.
- All three divisions of the Trigeminal N converge on this
nucleus
- The Nucleus is like a dorsal-root (i.e. pseudo-unipolar)
ganglion.
- MAIN SENSORY NUCLEUS: It is located in the Pons. It houses the
secondary neurons for the Touch Pathway for the head and face.
- MESENCEPHALIC NUCLEUS: In the mesencephalon, it houses
proprioception for all the muscles of the head and face.
- Motor Nucleus of V: The Masticator Nucleus houses nuclei for V3 that innervate
muscles of mastication.
- SPINAL TRIGEMINAL TRACT: Carries first order neurons from the Trigeminal
(Semilunar) Ganglion to the Spinal Nucleus.
- TRIGEMINOTHALAMIC TRACTS: Carries second order neurons from the various
trigeminal nuclei to the Ventral Posteromedial (VPM) Nucleus of the Thalamus.
- Ventral Trigeminal Lemniscus (Trigeminothalamic Tract):
- Carries some 2 neurons for both pain and temp (from Spinal
Nucleus) and Touch (from Main Sensory Nucleus).
- The fibers are mostly crossed.
- Dorsal Trigeminal Lemniscus (Trigeminothalamic Tract):
- Carries only fibers for Touch (from Main Sensory Nucleus.)
- The fibers are bilateral -- i.e. fibers from the Main Sensory Nucleus
send info to both cerebral hemispheres.
- PAIN AND TEMPERATURE PATHWAY OF THE HEAD AND NECK:
- PRIMARY NEURON: Gasserian (aka Trigeminal aka Semilunar) Ganglion
houses the cell bodies ------> Pons ------> Down the Spinal Trigeminal
Tract to the Spinal Trigeminal Nucleus where it SYNAPSES.
- SECONDARY NEURON: Spinal Nucleus ------> CROSS MIDLINE
------> Ventral Trigeminothalamic Tract ------> Ventral Posteromedial
(VPM) Nucleus of Thalamus.
- TERTIARY NEURON: VPM of Thalamus ------> Post-Central (Sensory)
Cerebral Cortex.
- DISCRIMINATIVE TOUCH PATHWAY: Cutaneous sensation follows the same
pathway as Pain and Temperature, except it synapses in the Main Sensory
Nucleus of V.
- PROPRIOCEPTION PATHWAY: It follows the same pathway as Pain and
Temperature, except it synapses in the Mesencephalic Nucleus of V.
- MIDLINE BILATERAL INNERVATION: Sensory and motor fibers that supply midline
structures, especially the mouth, tend to go back to the cortex bilaterally, as we
need bilateral control over the mouth.
- Tic Douloureux: Trigeminal Neuralgia. A stabbing pain in the Mandibular and
Maxillary nerves.
- Cause is variable and uncertain. Compression of Trigeminal Nerve is found.
MEDIAL MEDULLARY SYNDROME: Occlusion of the Anterior Spinal Artery at the level
of the Obex, i.e. right at the junction of the open and closed medulla.
| LOST STRUCTURE |
SYMPTOM |
NOTES |
| Pyramid |
Contralateral Upper Motor
Hemiplegia
|
Spastic Paralysis
Hyperreflexia, Positive
Babinski on contralateral
side |
| The Medial Lemniscus |
Contralateral loss of
vibratory sense and
proprioception |
This is right at the level of
the Sensory Decussation |
| Hypoglossal Nucleus (XII) |
Ipsilateral paralysis of
tongue |
Tongue will deviate toward
the affected (ipsilateral)
side. |
OPEN MEDULLA
INFERIOR OLIVARY NUCLEUS: GOOD INDICATOR that you are in the medulla. It is
found in the medulla and nowhere else.
VESTIBULAR NUCLEUS (VIII): SEGMENTAL MARKER for the Open Medulla. Carries
balance-information from the inner ear.
INFERIOR CEREBELLAR PEDUNCLE: Generally connects the spinal cord to the
cerebellum. Receives three sets of afferent fibers and conveys them into the cerebellum:
- Dorsal Spinocerebellar Tract: Unconscious Proprioception
- Vestibulocerebellar Tract: Fibers from the Vestibular Nuclei.
- Inferior Olivary Fibers: Fibers from the Inferior Olivary Nucleus (extra-pyramidal
system)
DORSAL MOTOR NUCLEUS (DMV) OF THE VAGUS (X): Send parasympathetics to the
thorax and abdomen. Receives input from the Nucleus of the Tractus Solitarius which
is just lateral to it.
NUCLEUS AMBIGUUS (NA): Located in the open medulla that will carry motor innervation
to the branchial arches via cranial nerves IX, X, and XI (i.e. larynx and pharynx).
LATERAL MEDULLARY (Wallenberg's) SYNDROME: Occlusion of Posterior Inferior
Cerebellar Artery (PICA), which perfuses the dorsolateral upper (open) medulla.
| LOST STRUCTURE |
SYMPTOM |
NOTES |
| Vestibular Nucleus (VIII) |
Dizziness and Nystagmus
(movement of eyes to
accommodate for
dizziness) |
|
| Inferior Cerebellar
Peduncle |
Loss of coordination and
balance; nausea; no
unconscious
proprioception |
They can't keep their
balance with their eyes
closed. |
| Descending Sympathetic
Fibers |
Ipsilateral Horner's
Syndrome -- ptosis,
miosis, anhydrosis |
These fibers are diffuse
and hard to pinpoint.
They influence
intermediolateral neurons
in spinal cord. |
| Lateral Spinothalamic
Tract |
CONTRALATERAL loss of
pain and temperature
sensation in lower body |
|
| Nucleus Ambiguus |
Impaired Gag Reflex,
hoarseness, dysphagia |
|
| Spinal Trigeminal Nucleus
and Tract |
IPSILATERAL loss of pain
and temperature sensation
in face |
This is exact opposite as
that for the body -- this
SPLIT in pain/temp loss
indicates a medullar
syndrome |
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THE PONS
BLOOD SUPPLY:
- Superior Cerebellar Artery
- Pontine Branches of the Basilar Artery
THE BASILAR PONS: The ventral aspect of the Pons.
- LONGITUDINAL FIBER BUNDLE:
- Corticospinal Fibers: They carry the traditional corticospinal fibers, headed
for the pyramidal decussation and then the contralateral spinal cord.
- Corticobulbar Fibers: These are the upper motor neurons for Cranial Nerve
nuclei, analogous to corticospinal fibers.
- Most of these fibers are also contralateral, but some structures in the
midline, especially the tongue have bilateral control.
- Corticopontine Fibers: These fibers come from the cerebral cortex and are
headed for the Pontine Nuclei of the Basilar Pons.
- TRANSVERSE FIBER BUNDLE: Pontocerebellar Fibers. They contain the post-Pontine-Nuclei fibers that are headed to the contralateral Cerebellum. They cross
through the midline.
- These fibers go to the contralateral Middle Cerebellar Peduncle.
- PONTINE NUCLEI: They are throughout the Basilar Pons, filling in the spaces
between the fiber tracts.
- They receive afferents from the Corticopontine fibers.
- They send efferents to the Contralateral Cerebellum.
- MIDDLE CEREBELLAR PEDUNCLE: Generally connects the Pons to the
Cerebellum. They carry Pontocerebellar Fibers -- the Transverse Fibers from the
Pontine Nuclei, headed to the ipsilateral cerebellum.
- This fiber-bundle allows for fine motor coordination and planning of motor
activity, such as typing and piano-playing, where each movement is not
consciously processed.
THE PONTINE TEGMENTUM: That portion of the Pons dorsal to the Basilar Pons and
ventral to the Fourth Ventricle.
- MEDIAL LEMNISCUS: It's still there. It has moved laterally.
- SEGMENTOTOPIC ORGANIZATION: The cervical segments are now
medial and the sacral segments lateral.
- ABDUCENS NUCLEUS (VI): It is just ventral to the fourth ventricle.
- SEGMENTAL MARKER: CN VI goes medially and posteriorly to exit near
the motor fibers of the pons.
- PONTINE CENTER FOR LATERAL GAZE (PCLG): Right around the Abducens
Nucleus, it coordinates CN VI and CN III in bilateral movement of eyes.
- If you look to the Left: The Left Abducens stimulates the left lateral rectus,
and the Right Oculomotor stimulates the Right Medial Rectus.
- These impulses are coordinated by the PCLG.
- LESION of PCLG can be DIAGNOSED: If the lateral gaze of one eye cannot
pass medial to the midline -- but you can still look cross-eyed, then the
problem is in the PCLG, or Medial Longitudinal Fasciculus, rather than
in CN III.
- MEDIAL LONGITUDINAL FASCICULUS (MLF): It is found throughout Medulla and
Pons.
- It is near the PCLG.
- Multiple Sclerosis: The MLF is one of the first things to go. Hence lateral
gaze paralysis is a common early symptom.
- FACIAL NUCLEUS (VII): Found in the caudal, dorsolateral pons.
- This is the nucleus for muscles of facial expression. Submandibular and
Sublingual gland are also carried by VII, but they originate from the Superior
Salivatory Nucleus.
- INTERNAL GENU OF VII: The Facial Nerve fibers come out of the medial
part of the nucleus, and then bend dorsally and laterally to bend around the
Abducens Nerve (VI).
- The Facial Nucleus is divided into two halves:
- UPPER HALF: Receives corticobulbar fibers from both cerebral
hemispheres. It innervates the facial muscles above the eye.
- LOWER HALF: Receives corticobulbar fibers only from the
contralateral cerebral hemisphere. It innervates facial muscles below
the eye.
- PERIPHERAL LESION OF VII: Damage to Facial Nucleus or nerve.
Ipsilateral paralysis of facial muscles both above and below the eyes.
- CENTRAL LESION OF VII: Damage to the Corticobulbar Tract, at any point
above the Facial Nucleus.
- This results in contralateral paralysis of only those muscles below the
eye.
- The supraorbital region of the face will still be innervated by
the other (undamaged) side.
- THE MAIN SENSORY NUCLEUS (V): SEGMENTAL MARKER for the Pons. See
Trigeminal Nerve for details.
MEDIAL INFERIOR PONTINE SYNDROME: Occlusion of the Paramedian Branch of the
Basilar Artery
| LOST STRUCTURE |
SYMPTOM |
NOTES |
| Pyramids of Basilar Pons |
Contralateral Upper Motor
Neuron Hemiplegia |
|
| Pontine Nuclei
Pontocerebellar Fibers |
Bilateral Limb Ataxia |
Lost influence of fine
motor coordination and
"planning" of motor activity |
| Medial Lemniscus |
Contralateral loss of
proprioception and
vibratory sense |
The Medial Lemniscus has
moved laterally now. |
| Abducens Nucleus (VI) |
Ipsilateral Internal
Strabismus -- eye points
inward (III) and downward
(IV) |
SEGMENTAL MARKER |
| Facial Nucleus (VII) |
Contralateral facial
paralysis both above and
below eye. |
SEGMENTAL MARKER.
Above and Below eye
indicates |
CORNEAL REFLEX: Touch the cornea and see whether one or both eyes blink.
- Afferent Limb of the Reflex: The Ophthalmic, V1 -- sensory information from cornea.
- Efferent Limb of the Reflex: The Facial, VII -- Orbicularis Oculi. The impulse is sent
out bilaterally.
- Direct Response: The same eye blinks as was stimulated.
- Consensual Response: The other eye blinks when an eye is stimulated.
- Normal Response: Normally, both eyes should blink. If one eye doesn't blink, then
there is damage to the afferent or efferent limb.
MEDIAL SUPERIOR PONTINE SYNDROME: Caused by occlusion of the Upper Branch
of the Basilar Artery.
LATERAL SUPERIOR PONTINE SYNDROME: Caused by occlusion of the Superior
Cerebellar Artery.
- Both motor and sensory divisions of CN V would be damaged.
Return to top
THE MESENCEPHALON
THE CRUS CEREBRI: Also known as the Cerebral Peduncle. It is the major pathway of
motor neurons out of the cortex. It is segmentotopically organized as follows:
- Medial One Fifth:
- FRONTOPONTINE TRACT: Frontal Cortex ------> Pontine Nuclei in
Basilar Pons ------> Middle Cerebellar Peduncle
- Central Two Fifths:
- CORTICOBULBAR TRACT: Pre-Central Gyrus ------> Upper motor
innervation of Cranial Nerve Nuclei.
- It is most medial in the central two fifths
- CORTICOSPINAL TRACT: Pre-Central Gyrus ------> Pyramidal
Decussation ------> Lateral Corticospinal Tract of spinal cord.
- It is most lateral in central two fifths.
- Lateral Two Fifths:
- TEMPOROPONTINE TRACT: Influence of Temporal Lobe (hearing) on
Pontine Nuclei.
- PARIETOPONTINE TRACT: Influence of Parietal Lobe (somatic sensation)
on Pontine Nuclei.
- OCCIPITOPONTINE TRACT: Influence of Occipital Love (vision) on Pontine
Nuclei.
SUBSTANTIA NIGRA: Located between the Tegmentum and the Crus Cerebri.
- Dopamine is released in its neurons.
- Parkinson's Disease: Lesions of the Substantia Nigra and/or Dopamine
Deficiencies result in Parkinson's Disease.
- MELANIN can be found in Substantia Nigra neurons, making them darkly stained,
hence the name.
- PATH: Substantia Nigra ------> Basal Ganglia (Caudate Nucleus, Putamen,
Globus Pallidus).
- FNXN: Substantia Nigra inhibits activity in the Basal Ganglia. It is part of the
extrapyramidal motor system.
TEGMENTUM: That region of the Mesencephalon, between the Substantia Nigra and the
Cerebral Aqueduct. The Tegmentum also refers to the corresponding regions in the
Medulla and Pons.
- The Tegmentum generally contains ascending fiber tracts, cranial nerve nuclei, and
the Reticular Formation.
- THE TROCHLEAR NERVE (CN IV): At the level of the Inferior Colliculus, at the top
of the Tegmentum.
- CN IV innervates the Superior Oblique muscle of the ipsilateral eye. It pulls
the eye downward and inward.
- EXIT PATH: The Trochlear Nerve passes dorsally up and around central
grey, to exit dorsally on the contralateral side.
- THE OCULOMOTOR NERVE (CN III): At the level of the Superior Colliculus, at the
top of the Tegmentum.
- EDINGER-WESTPHAL NUCLEUS: It is located most dorsomedially. It
supplies Pre-Ganglionic Parasympathetics to the ipsilateral eye.
- Edinger-Westphal Nucleus ------> Ciliary Ganglion where is
SYNAPSES ------> Ciliary Muscle (accommodation) and Pupillary
Constrictor Muscle
- OCULOMOTOR NUCLEUS: Supplies the GSE to the Oculomotor muscles
of the eye.
- Muscles: Medial Rectus, Superior Rectus, Inferior Rectus, Inferior
Oblique.
- Levator Palpebrae muscle to open eyelid.
- CN III fibers travel ventrally through the Tegmentum and then exit out the
Interpeduncular Fossa to supply the ipsilateral eye.
- MEDIAL LONGITUDINAL FASCICULUS (MLF):
- LOCATION:
- At the level of the Inferior Colliculus, it is associated with the
Trochlear Nucleus.
- At the level of the Superior Colliculus, it is associated with the
Oculomotor Nucleus. It forms a V-Shape, with CN III inside the V.
- FNXN: The MLF contains two tracts that are crucial to coordination of gaze.
- Afferent Vestibular Tracts go from the Vestibular Nuclei ------> CN
III, CN IV, and CN VI, to send balance information to the eye-muscles.
This tract carries the NYSTAGMUS REFLEX.
- Eye-Muscle Tracts, both afferent and efferent, go in between III, IV,
and VI, to provide coordinated Conjugate Eye Movements , and
provide for the Accommodation Reflex (squinting inward with both
eyes upon a close object).
- LESION TO MLF: INTRANUCLEAR OPHTHALMOPLEGIA = no
coordination of gaze, diagnosable as lateral gaze paralysis.
- DECUSSATION OF THE SUPERIOR CEREBELLAR PEDUNCLE: Ventral, central
part of Tegmentum, at the level of the Inferior Colliculus.
- CEREBELLORUBRAL TRACT: Will influence lower motor neurons via the
Red Nucleus and Rubrospinal Tract.
- PATH: Cerebellum ------> Superior Cerebellar Peduncle ------>
Decussation ------> Contralateral Red Nucleus ------>
Rubrospinal Tract
- These fibers will ultimately form part of the extrapyramidal system,
descending down the Rubrospinal Tract.
- CEREBELLOTHALAMIC TRACT: Will influence upper motor neurons, via
the Thalamus and Thalamic Projections.
- PATH: Cerebellum ------> Superior Cerebellar Peduncle ------>
Decussation ------> Ventral Lateral and Ventral Anterior
Thalamus ------> Thalamic Projections ------> Contralateral
Motor Cortex.
- RED NUCLEUS: At the level of the Superior Colliculi, the Red Nuclei receive
afferents from the Cerebellorubral Tract, and send efferents down the Rubrospinal
Tract as a principle part of the extrapyramidal motor system.
- SENSORY TRACTS of the Tegmentum: From Medial to Lateral
- MEDIAL LEMNISCUS:
- LOCATION:
- Level of the Inferior Colliculus: It is oriented laterally (from side
to side), and located just dorsal to the Substantia Nigra.
- Level of the Superior Colliculus: It is located just dorsolateral
to the Red Nucleus.
- The VENTRAL TRIGEMINOTHALAMIC TRACT runs along the
dorsal aspect of the Medial Lemniscus now.
- SEGMENTOTOPIC ORGANIZATION still exists, with Cervical most
medially and Sacral most laterally.
- THE ANTEROLATERAL SYSTEM: It is now continuous with the Medial
Lemniscus, as both tracts head for the VPL of thalamus.
- LATERAL LEMNISCUS: It is located just ventrolateral to the Inferior
Colliculus. It forms a "capsule" around the Inferior Colliculus.
- FNXN: It houses secondary neurons in the auditory pathway.
- The presence of this capsule is one way to distinguish inferior
colliculus from superior colliculus.
TECTUM: That region of the Mesencephalon dorsal to the Cerebral Aqueduct, containing
the two Superior colliculi and two Inferior Colliculi.
- INFERIOR COLLICULUS: Relay station for Auditory Pathway.
- Auditory Pathway: Lateral Lemniscus ------> Inferior Colliculus ------>
Brachium of the Inferior Colliculus ------> Medial Geniculate Body of
Thalamus ------> Primary Auditory Cortex.
- SUPERIOR COLLICULUS: Involved in Foveation and Eye-Reflexes.
- Afferent Fibers received from:
- Retina
- Spinal Cord over the Spinotectal Tract
- Cortex over the Corticotectal Tract
- Efferent Fibers:
- Brachium of the Superior Colliculus
- To the Spinal Cord, via Tectospinal Tract (extrapyramidal motor
system)
- To the Reticular Formation, via Tectobulbar Tract (extrapyramidal
motor system)
WEBER'S SYNDROME: Paramedian infarct of the Midbrain.
| LOST STRUCTURE |
SYMPTOM |
NOTES |
| CRUS CEREBRI:
Frontopontine Tract |
|
|
| CRUS CEREBRI:
Corticobulbar Tract |
Contralateral paralysis of
lower half (suborbital) of
the face. |
The Central Lesion of VII
is what is easily
identifiable clinically |
| CRUS CEREBRI:
Corticospinal |
Contralateral Spastic
Paralysis, Hyperreflexia,
Positive Babinski |
Upper Motor Neuron
Hemiplegia |
| CRUS CEREBRI:
Occipito/Tempero/Parieto
Pontine Tracts |
Contralateral General
Ataxia |
Lost sensation-feedback
from somatic, auditory,
and vision lobes. |
| Oculomotor Nucleus (III) |
1) Ipsilateral External
Strabismus (Down and
Out)
2) No pupillary reflex
(dilated eyes)
3) Complete Ptosis
(closed eyelid) |
SEGMENTAL MARKER
1) Due to lost GSE fibers.
2) Due to lost
Parasympathetics to
Pupillary Muscle
3) Due to lost innervation
of Levator Palpebrae |
| Substantia Nigra |
Parkinsonian Symptoms |
Affects extrapyramidal
motor system. Limb
ataxia. |
Return to top
THE DIENCEPHALON AND BASAL GANGLIA
THE DIENCEPHALON:
- THE THALAMUS: Same thing as the "Dorsal Thalamus." The Internal Medullary
Lamina divides the Thalamus into three major clusters of Nuclei.
- ANTERIOR NUCLEAR GROUP:
- DORSOMEDIAL NUCLEUS:
- VENTRAL TIER NUCLEI:
- Ventral Posteromedial Nucleus (VPM): Trigeminothalamic Fibers
------> Primary Somatosensory Cortex (Areas 3, 1, & 2)
- Ventral Posterolateral Nucleus (VPL): Medial Lemniscus Fibers
------> Primary Somatosensory Cortex (Areas 3, 1, & 2)
- Ventral Lateral Nucleus (VL):
- Receives fibers from Cerebellum, Globus Pallidus, and
Substantia Nigra ------> Primary Motor Cortex (Area 4) and
Frontal Cortex (Area 6)
- Ventral Anterior Nuclei (VA): Globus Pallidus and Substantia Nigra
------> Motor Cortex (Area 4) and Frontal Cortex (Area 6)
- Medial Geniculate Body: Auditory Pathway ------> Primary
Auditory Cortex (Areas 41 & 42)
- Lateral Geniculate Body: Visual Pathway ------> Primary Visual
Cortex (Area 17)
- Pulvinar: The "Coordinator" of the Thalamus that integrates
information from all Nuclei.
- SUBTHALAMIC NUCLEUS:
- EPITHALAMUS (PINEAL BODY):
- LOCATION: It is on the dorsal surface of the Thalamus, right above the
Tectum.
- HYPOTHALAMUS:
THE INTERNAL CAPSULE: It is the main highway of communication between the cortex
and brainstem.
- ANTERIOR LIMB OF INTERNAL CAPSULE: Located between the Caudate
Nucleus and Lentiform Nucleus.
- VASCULAR SUPPLY: Anterior Cerebral Artery
- CORTICAL AFFERENT FIBERS: Anterior Thalamic Radiations from the
Anterior and Medial Thalamic Nuclei.
- CORTICAL EFFERENT FIBERS: Frontopontine Fibers
- GENU OF INTERNAL CAPSULE: Central Bend in Internal Capsule.
- VASCULAR SUPPLY: Internal Carotid Artery
- CORTICAL AFFERENT FIBERS: Superior Thalamic Radiations
- CORTICAL EFFERENT FIBERS: Corticobulbar Tract.
- The location of the Corticobulbar Tract is consistent with the
Segmentotopic Organization of the entire Posterior Limb. Sensation
from the HEAD is most rostral (i.e. at the genu), then arm, trunk, and
leg, as we move toward the caudal pole of the Posterior Limb.
- POSTERIOR LIMB OF INTERNAL CAPSULE: Lies between the Dorsal Thalamus
and the Lentiform Nucleus.
- The Crus Cerebri is continuous with the Posterior Limb of the Internal
Capsule.
- VASCULAR SUPPLY: Anterior Choroidal Artery
- CORTICAL AFFERENT FIBERS:
- SUPERIOR THALAMIC RADIATIONS that carry the third-order
neurons to the somatosensory cortex (Brodmann's 1,2, & 3)
- This would be the third order neurons from the Ventral
Posterolateral and Ventral Posteromedial Nuclei of the
Thalamus.
- OPTIC (Posterior Thalamic) RADIATIONS (Geniculocalcarine
Tract): From the Lateral Geniculate body of Thalamus to the Primary
Visual Cortex.
- Each Optic Radiation carries information for the contralateral
field of vision.
- AUDITORY (Inferior Thalamic) RADIATIONS: Medial Geniculate
Body of thalamus to the Primary Auditory Cortex.
- CORTICAL EFFERENT FIBERS:
- CORTICOSPINAL FIBERS: They have SEGMENTOTOPIC
ORGANIZATION, such that:
- Upper limb fibers are nearest the Genu.
- Lower Limb fibers are nearest the Occipital Pole.
THE BASAL GANGLIA (CORPUS STRIATUM): They are Telencephalon (forebrain)
derivatives.
- CAUDATE NUCLEUS: Directly lateral to the lateral ventricles.
- VASCULAR SUPPLY: A1 Branch of the Anterior Cerebral Artery
- STRUCTURE: It can be divided into a Head, Body, and Tail.
- HEAD: Next to Anterior Horn of Lateral Ventricle.
- BODY: Over dorsal surface of Thalamus.
- TAIL: Down into Temporal Lobe, to join with Amygdaloid.
- LENTIFORM NUCLEUS: Lateral to the Caudate Nucleus (anteriorly) or the
Thalamus (Posteriorly).
- VASCULAR SUPPLY: Lateral Striate Branches of the Middle Cerebral
Artery
- GLOBUS PALLIDUS: Most medially placed in Lentiform Nucleus.
- PUTAMEN: Larger, most laterally placed in Lentiform Nucleus.
- AMYGDALOID NUCLEUS: Function is closely related to hypothalamus.
- LOCATION: It joins with the Caudate Nucleus in the core of the Temporal
Lobe.
POSTERIOR LIMB SYNDROME: Occlusion of the Anterior Choroidal Artery.
| LOST STRUCTURE |
SYMPTOM |
NOTES |
| Corticospinal Fibers in the
Posterior Limb |
Contralateral Upper Motor
Hemiplegia |
Spastic Paralysis, Positive
Babinski, Hyperreflexia |
| Lost Somatosensory
Fibers (Superior Thalamic
Radiations) in Posterior
Limb |
Contralateral loss of
somatic sensation. |
There is a crude
awareness of pain
retained by the intact
Thalamus |
| Lost Optic Radiations |
Contralateral
Homonymous
Hemianopia -- loss of the
contralateral field of
vision |
SEGMENTAL MARKER
for the Posterior Limb. |
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CEREBRAL CORTEX
TYPES OF CEREBRAL FIBERS: Cerebral Cortex has about 15 billion neurons, about as
many glial cells, and a rich capillary network.
- COMMISSURAL FIBERS: Fibers that traverse from one cerebral hemisphere to the
other.
- Corpus Callosum carries most of this traffic.
- Anterior Commissure carries some crossing traffic.
- ASSOCIATION FIBERS: Interconnect areas of the same cerebral hemisphere.
- SHORT ASSOCIATION FIBERS: Join Neighboring regions.
- LONG ASSOCIATION FIBERS: Join separate lobes (frontal to occipital, e.g.)
- SUPERIOR LONGITUDINAL FASCICULUS: Is a long association
fiber-bundle that interconnects the THALAMUS with the cerebral
hemispheres.
- ARCUATE FASCICULUS is a subset of the above. It connects
Broca's Speech Area to Wernicke's Speech-Reception Area.
- DISCONNECTION SYNDROME: Loss of the Arcuate
Fasciculus, resulting in poor processing and formulation of
speech.
- PROJECTION FIBERS: Afferent fibers coming into the Cerebral Cortex, and
efferent fibers leaving the Cerebral Cortex.
FRONTAL LOBE:
- PRIMARY MOTOR CORTEX (Area 4):
- Its fibers make up the Corticobulbar and Corticospinal Tracts.
- SEGMENTOTOPIC ORGANIZATION (HOMUNCULUS):
- Sacral is most medial. It is thus supplied by the Anterior Cerebral
Artery.
- Cervical / Head is most lateral, as you descend down the Pre-Frontal
Gyrus. It is thus supplies by the Middle Cerebral Artery.
- PREMOTOR CORTEX (Area 6): Rostral to the Primary Frontal Cortex.
- FNXN: Gross coordination of voluntary motor activity, such as adducting or
abducting a limb.
- FRONTAL EYE-FIELD (Area 8): Rostral to the Primary Frontal Cortex.
- FNXN: Voluntary conjugate movement of the eyes.
- LOCATION: It close to the region responsible for movement of the eye.
- REFLEX FOLLOWING CENTER in Parietal Lobe works with this lobe to
allow eyes to follow an object in space.
- LESION to this lobe will make eyes deviate toward the affected side.
- BROCA'S MOTOR SPEECH CORTEX (Area 44, 45): Inferior Frontal Gyrus.
- LEFT SIDE ONLY: This area if responsible for formulation of Propositional
Language, or meaningful language.
- ASYMMETRY: The Left Side is usually (but not always) the dominant
side for speech. It is significantly larger than the right side.
- MOTOR APHASIA result from lesion to this area. Individual would
have difficulty formulating meaningful language.
- RIGHT SIDE ONLY: Formulation of emotional inflection and tone in
speech.
- PREFRONTAL CORTEX: JUDGMENT, FORESIGHT, PERCEPTION
PARIETAL LOBE:
- PRIMARY SOMATOSENSORY CORTEX (Area 1, 2, 3): Post-Central Gyrus.
- FNXN: Conscious perception of pain, temperature, proprioception, touch.
The termination of third order sensory neurons from the VPL and VPM of
Thalamus.
- SEGMENTOTOPIC ORGANIZATION (HOMUNCULUS):
- Sacral is most medial and thus supplied by Anterior Cerebral.
- Cervical / Head is most lateral and thus supplied by Middle
Cerebral.
- SOMATOSENSORY ASSOCIATION CORTEX (Area 5, 7): Ability to recognize
sensations, recognize objects by touch, for example. They receive input from the
Primary Cortex
- LEFT SIDE ONLY:
- AREA 5: Gross integration of somatic sensation.
- AREA 7: Most posterior, and more sophisticated integration,
interpretation of somatic sensation.
- LESION = ASTEREOGNOSIS: Inability to recognize an object, such as a
quarter, with eyes closed, by touch.
- RIGHT SIDE ONLY: Areas 5 and 7 give us spatial control related to the
visual system (such as ability to move with eyes closed).
- NEGLECT SYNDROME: A lesion to the posterior Parietal Lobe of the Non-Dominant Hemisphere.
- It is posterior because more sophisticated sensory association fibers
tend to converge on the Parieto-Occipital Junction, from three areas:
- Higher Somatic Sensation (from Parietal Lobe)
- Higher Visual Sensation (from Occipital Lobe)
- Higher Auditory Sensation (from Temporal Lobe)
- SYMPTOMS: The person doesn't recognize half of his body as being his
own. Only able to dress one half of his body, etc. Strange...
TEMPORAL LOBE:
- PRIMARY AUDITORY CORTEX (Area 41, 42): Concealed within the lateral fissure,
on the Transverse Temporal Gyri.
- FNXN Hearing. It is the end of the pathway that started with Lateral
Lemniscus ------> Inferior Colliculus ------> Medial Geniculate Body
------> Primary Auditory Cortex
- AUDITORY ASSOCIATION CORTEX (Area 22): One of the Superior Temporal
Gyri.
- GENERAL FUNCTION: Association and integration of auditory information.
- WERNICKE'S RECEPTIVE SPEECH (Area 22): The Caudal part of the
Auditory Association Cortex on the dominant
- LEFT SIDE ONLY, FNXN: The interpretation of propositional (i.e.
meaningful) language.
- RIGHT SIDE ONLY, FNXN: The interpretation of emotional
inflection in speech. Interpretation of tone in speech.
- ANGULAR GYRUS: Posterior Temporal Lobe, surrounding the Superior Temporal
Sulcus.
- FNXN: It is responsible for interpretation of written language (i.e. reading).
- SUPRAMARGINAL GYRUS: Wraps around the end of the Lateral Fissure,
contiguous with Wernicke's Area.
- FNXN: It is responsible for the ability to write meaningful language (i.e. write
cursive).
OCCIPITAL LOBE:
- PRIMARY VISUAL CORTEX (Area 17): It surrounds the Calcarine Fissure
- FNXN: Each side of Area 17 receives visual info from the contralateral field
of vision.
- LESION: Hemianopia, blindness to the contralateral field of vision.
- VISUAL ASSOCIATION CORTEX (Area 18, 19): Extending outward from calcarine
sulcus, on medial and lateral occipital lobe.
- FNXN: Recognition of visual images; relate present to past visual
experiences.
LESION TO THE LATERAL LEFT FRONTAL LOBE: Occlusion in the distribution of Middle
Cerebral Artery
- AREA 44&45: Lost motor speech.
- AREA 8: Loss of contralateral (right) visual eye field.
- AREA 4: Lose the lateral part of area 4
- Contralateral lower facial paralysis (Central Lesion of VII -- the most
important marker).
- Also paralysis of upper extremity.
LESION TO LEFT TEMPORAL AND POSTERIOR PARIETAL LOBE: Occlusion in the
distribution of Middle Cerebral Artery.
- ANGULAR GYRUS: Loss of ability to read.
- SUPRAMARGINAL GYRUS: Loss of ability to write.
- WERNICKE'S AREA: Loss of ability to understand spoken language.
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NEUROEMBRYOLOGY
Development of Neural Tube:
- Neural Plate: thickening of embryonic ectoderm, Day 18.
- Notochord: Just ventral to the neural plate. It induces formation of the Neural
Tube.
- Neural Folds are formed on the Neural Plate next, they begin to move toward each
other, forming a Neural Groove.
- NEURAL TUBE: Is formed from the primitive Neural Groove. This occurs first in the
midsection of the embryo and then proceeds rostrally and caudally.
- Rostral Neuropore and Caudal Neuropore are the open ends of the Neural
Tube.
- NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS:
- SPINA BIFIDA: Failed closure of the Caudal part of the Neural Tube. But,
the nervous system continues to develop normally.
- Meningoceles (outpocketings of meninges) and Meningomyeloceles
(outpocketings of meninges + nervous tissue) will result.
- ANENCEPHALY: Failure of rostral closure of neural tube and subsequent
differentiation.
NEURAL CREST CELLS: Lie on either side of the Neural Groove and are pinched off by
closure of the Neural Tube. They form a number of important structures.
- Dorsal Root Ganglia and portions of sensory ganglia that are like the Dorsal Root
(V, VII, VIII, IX, X)
- Sympathetic Ganglia
- Parasympathetic (Enteric) Ganglia
- Pia and Arachnoid Mater
- Schwann Cells
- Melanocytes
Proliferation in Neural Tube:
- Cells start connected both to the internal and external limiting membranes of the
neural tube, but ultimately remain connected only to the internal limiting membrane.
- NEURAL BIRTHDAY: Occurs when a cell-line has had its last division and remains
in the same structure terminally thereafter. Neurons from the same structure tend
to have the same Neural Birthdays.
- THREE LAYERS of Proliferating Tube:
- Ventricular Layer: Contains dividing cells.
- Mantle Layer: Postmitotic neuronal cells bodies (after their birthday)
- Marginal Layer: Axoplasmic extensions of the mantle layer.
- NEURAL VESICLES: At 3 weeks, three distinct outpocketings can be made out.
These are the classical three vesicles out of which entire nervous system grows:
- Rhombencephalon (Hindbrain)
- Myelencephalon ------> Medulla Oblongata
- Metencephalon ------>Pons, Cerebellum
- Mesencephalon (Midbrain) ------> Midbrain
- Prosencephalon (Forebrain) ------> Diencephalon + Telencephalon
- Diencephalon
- Thalamus
- Epithalamus
- Hypothalamus
- Subthalamus
- Telencephalon ------> Cerebral Hemispheres
- VENTRICLES will arise from the Central Canal of the Neural Tube.
- FLEXURES: Characteristic flexures create the shape of the CNS
- 26 Days: Mesencephalic and Cervical Flexures.
- 35-50 Days: Pontine Flexure brings the Cerebellum to lie dorsal to the Pons.
SPINAL CORD DEVELOPMENT:
- Sulcus Limitans: It appear along the Neural Tube, and separates dorsal and
ventral regions of the spinal cord.
- ALAR (DORSAL) PLATE: Neurons become specialized for sensory.
- BASAL (VENTRAL) PLATE: Neurons become specialized for motor.
BRAINSTEM / CEREBELLUM DEVELOPMENT:
- MEDULLA
- CN NUCLEI are arranged in Columns in the medulla.
- CLOSED MEDULLA:
- ALAR PLATE Derivatives: Nuclei Cuneatus and Gracilis.
- BASAL PLATE Derivatives: Corticospinal fibers
- OPEN MEDULLA: The Alar Plate is displaced laterally. So, sensory stuff is
now lateral to motor stuff, which tends to be more medial.
- PONS: It maintains the alar / basal plate distinction between sensory / motor.
- CEREBELLUM: Formed from the Rhombic Lips of the Alar Plate of the Pons.
- These lips fold medially to cover the Pons, so that Pons is ventral to
Cerebellum.
- There are two proliferative zones present during development:
- FIRST: VENTRICULAR ZONE produces deep neurons and an
external granule layer, which is present only in the developing
cerebellum.
- SECOND ZONE: It is established in the external granule layer.
TELENCEPHALON: The neurons develop in an "inside-out" fashion. The earliest neuronal
birthdays occur closest to the medullary center, then neurons migrate beyond that.
Cellular Events in Development:
- Making Neuronal Connections:
- Sometimes a neuron will reel out its axon as it grows.
- At other times, a neuron will use physical or chemical (chemotaxis) cues to
grow toward a target.
- Synaptic Plasticity: Modifications to neuronal connections made after development
is complete.
- They can be made as an alternative pathway following damage to a
connection.
- They can be made in the process of "learning."
- Programmed Cell Death: More neurons than are needed are made during
development.
- Neurons that are unsuccessful at making their connections are then lost
(killed, DEAD) by a pre-programmed neuronal cell death.
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