Deck 15: Brainstem Region

Question 1

Dysfunction of what area of the brain is noted by the four Ds (dysphagia,dysarthria,diplopia,and dysmetria)?

A)Dysfunction of the medulla
B)Dysfunction of the thalamus
C)Dysfunction of the brainstem
D)All of the above

Answer 1

C
Explanation: Dysphagia,dysarthria,diplopia,and dysmetria are the cardinal signs of brainstem dysfunction.Dysphagia is difficulty in swallowing;dysarthria is difficulty in speaking;diplopia is double vision;and dysmetria is the inability to control the distance of movements.

Question 2

In the context of the brain,what are olives?

A)Small invasive tumors of the thalamus
B)Small noninvasive tumors of the thalamus
C)Small lumps located in the medulla
D)Small lumps located in the midbrain

Answer 2

C
Explanation: Anteriorly,the medulla has two vertical bulges,called pyramids.Lateral to the pyramids are two small oval lumps,called olives.Cranial nerve XII connects with the medulla between the pyramid and the olive.

Question 3

The part of the brainstem that supplies dopamine to cerebral areas involved in motivation and decision making is which of the following?

A)Ventral tegmental area
B)Pedunculopontine nucleus
C)Raphe nuclei
D)Locus coeruleus
E)Nucleus cuneatus

Answer 3

A
Explanation:

Question 4

The posterior (tegmentum)section of the brainstem contains which of the following?

A)Reticular formation
B)Ascending sensory tracts
C)Cranial nerve nuclei
D)Medial longitudinal fasciculus
E)All of the above

Question 5

What part of the brainstem produces acetylcholine?

A)Substantia nigra compacta
B)Pedunculopontine nucleus
C)Raphe nuclei
D)Locus coeruleus
E)Medial lemniscus

Question 6

The anterior (basilar)section of the brainstem contains which of the following?

A)Descending axons from the cerebral cortex
B)Superior and inferior colliculi
C)Reticular formation
D)Predominantly sensory pathways
E)All of the above

Question 7

Which of the following is a function of the cerebellum?

A)Coordination of movement
B)Motor planning
C)Cognitive function
D)All of the above

Question 8

Which of the following is a function of the parasympathetic nucleus of the oculomotor nerve?

A)Control of the lateral movements of the eye
B)Control of the medial,superior,and inferior rectus muscles and the inferior oblique muscle
C)Control of the pupillary sphincter and the ciliary muscle
D)A and B
E)A,B,and C

Question 9

What symptom might be caused by ischemia in the brainstem region?

A)Dizziness
B)Visual disorders
C)Weakness
D)All of the above

Question 10

Which of the following is a section of the midbrain?

A)Basilar
B)Tegmentum
C)Tectum
D)All of the above

Question 11

What is the function of the reticular formation?

A)Modulates nociceptive and pain information
B)Integrates sensory and cortical information
C)Regulates somatic motor activity,autonomic function,and consciousness
D)All of the above

Question 12

Activity of which nucleus regulates the ability to direct attention to stimuli in the environment?

A)Ventral tegmental area
B)Pedunculopontine nucleus
C)Raphe nuclei
D)Locus coeruleus
E)Medial reticular area

Question 13

Cranial nerve nuclei in the pons are involved in which of the following?

A)Processing somatosensory information from the face
B)Controlling lateral movements of the eyes
C)Controlling the muscles of facial expression and mastication
D)A and B
E)A,B,and C

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of the reticular formation?

A)Regulation of vital functions
B)Regulation of somatic motor activity by the reticulospinal tracts
C)Analgesia by activation of inhibitory interneurons in the ventral horn
D)A and B
E)A,B,and C

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of the medulla?

A)Contributes to postural control
B)Coordinates swallowing
C)Regulates cardiovascular,respiratory,and visceral activity
D)Participates in all of the above

Question 16

Where are the sensory or autonomic nuclei located for cranial nerves VII,VIII,IX,and X?

A)Dorsal caudal medulla
B)Dorsal rostral medulla
C)Dorsal pons
D)Dorsal midbrain
E)Ventral midbrain

Question 17

Normal sleep-wake cycles require which parts of the consciousness system to be functional?

A)Only the basal forebrain,thalamus,and cerebral cortex
B)All brainstem and cerebral components of the consciousness system
C)The consciousness system does not regulate sleep-wake cycles.
D)Only the brainstem components of the consciousness system

Question 18

What area of the brain actively induces sleep?

A)Ascending reticular activating system
B)Brainstem
C)Basal forebrain
D)None of the above

Question 19

Which neurotransmitter,produced by the midbrain raphe nuclei,has major effects on mood?

A)Serotonin
B)Acetylcholine
C)Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
D)Norepinephrine
E)Dopamine

Question 20

What is the primary function of the basilar section of the brainstem?

A)Controls or modulates motor activity
B)Regulates eye reflexes
C)Regulates reflexive head movements
D)Adjusts general level of neural activity