Brainstem & Spinal Cord - created from Mind Map

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Midbrain

Pons

Medulla

Corticospinal tract (descending)

Dorsal column medial meniscus (ascending)

Spinothalamic tract (ascending)

Structures

Testing

Tract dysfunction

Nuclei process visual & auditory information + control reflexes stimulated by this e.g. loud noises, head movements. Also involved in motor control, sleep/wake cycles, alertness & temp. control

Nuclei that relay sensory signals from forebrain to cerebellum & thalamus. Contains nuclei involved with somatic & visceral control

All autonomic functions such as HR, BP, breathing & digestion. Connects brain to SC.

Synapse on LMNs in anterior horns of SC.

Medial CST: innervate axial & gross movement limb muscles

Lateral CST: main pathway of voluntary movements; contralateral

Sensory pathway

Fine touch ,vibration, two=point discrimination, proprioception

Anterior: crude touch, pressure

Lateral: pain, temperature

Filum terminale: bundle of connective tissue & glia connecting the end of the SC to coccyx

Cauda equina: long roots for axons from end of SC (SC only goes to L1)

Conus medullaris: tapered end of SC

Spinal nerves: pairs emerging from either side of SC

Ventral roots: AKA anterior roots, separates anterior & lateral funiculi; consists of motor fibres

Dorsal roots: emerges from back of SC & travels to root ganglion

Dorsal root ganglion: contains cell bodies of sensory neurons

Ventral/anterior horn: contains cell bodies of LMNs that have axons via ventral spinal roots that innervate muscle fibres

Lateral horn: small projection of fibre containing cell bodies of the SNS

Dorsal/posterior horn: receives sensory info from body including fine touch, proprioception & vibration

Dermatomes: pin & cotton wool: patient closes eyes & gives feedback to therapist. Should be done bilaterally

Myotomes: looking for muscle weakness to determine spinal lesion

Segmental: affects function of SC only at level of the lesion

Vertical tract: lesions interfere with tracts so affects function below site - motor & sensory

Peripheral lesions affect anything distal to lesion site