Brainstem lesions and clinical correlations — Flashcards

Flashcard 1: Which brainstem nucleus receives discriminative touch and pressure sensations from the face via the trigeminal nerve (CN V)?

Answer: Main (Principal) sensory nucleus of CN V

Extra: The main sensory nucleus of CN V is located in the mid-pons. It mediates fine touch and pressure from the face, functioning similarly to the dorsal column-medial lemniscus system of the body.

Flashcard 2: Which cranial nerve(s) does the nucleus solitarius contribute to? _____

Answer: CN VII, IX, and X

Flashcard 3: Cranial nerves that exit the brainstem _____ are typically mixed or sensory.

Answer: laterally

Flashcard 4: Identify the brainstem level based on these features: - Presence of 4th ventricle - Inferior olivary nucleus - Presence of CN IX, X and XII Answer: _____

Answer: Open medulla

Extra: The open medulla (rostral medulla) is characterized by the presence of the 4th ventricle on its posterior surface, the inferior olivary nucleus, and the nuclei for cranial nerves IX, X, and XII.

Flashcard 5: Which level of the brainstem is characterized by the absence of the 4th ventricle and the decussation of the medullary pyramids?

Answer: Closed medulla

Flashcard 6: Which brainstem nucleus is located in the vestibular area of the floor of the 4th ventricle and receives sensory input for balance?

Answer: Vestibular nucleus

Flashcard 7: paramedian pontine reticular formation (PPRF)

Answer: eyes look away from side of lesion

Flashcard 8: Where is the locus ceruleus located?

Answer: pons

Flashcard 9: Where is the raphe nucleus located?

Answer: pons

Flashcard 10: medial geniculate nucleus (MGN)

Answer: superior olive, inferior colliculus of tectum

Extra: hearing medial = music auditory cortex (temporal lobe)