Disorders
What kind of headaches begin in the brain stem?
Basilar migraine
what is the function of the medulla?
controls many vital autonomic functions such as heart rate, breathing & blood pressure
Define autism, and how is it related to the brainstem?
a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. The cerebellum, a part of the brain stem, is affected by autism.
what is the cerebellum?
involved in the coordination of motor movements as well as basic facets of memory & learning
define SIDS and how they're related to the brain stem
sudden infant death syndrome, possibly caused by abnormal development of the brain stem
How to keep yourself awake, alert, and feeling energized
taking care of organs/body parts necessary for basic functions
what is the thalamus?
processes & relays movement & sensory information. essentially a relay station, taking in sensory information & then passing it on to the cerebral cortex
Define narcolepsy & its relation to the brain stem
a condition characterized by an extreme tendency to fall asleep whenever in relaxing surroundings, caused by a lack of hypocretin
What is the reticular formation? (bonus 20 points: how does it connect with the 'pons')
a neural network located in the medulla that helps control functions such as sleep and attention (bonus 20 points: helps coordinate movement on each side of the body)
how are neck & spinal injuries related to the brain stem?
The brain stem connects the brain to both
What is the spinal cord?
the cylindrical bundle of nerve fibers and associated tissue which is enclosed in the spine and connects nearly all parts of the body to the brain, with which it forms the central nervous system