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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

[[File:Brain sagittal section stem highlighted.svg|thumb|right|300px|Brain sagittal section stem highlighted]]

[[File:Brain sagittal section stem highlighted.svg|thumb|right|300px|Brain sagittal section stem highlighted]]

The hind brain is also called the rhombencephalon and is the brain stem that provides the connection between the spinal cord and the rest of the brain. The hind brain contains many vital structures including the Medulla Oblongata, the Pons (the link between the cerebellum, forebrain and mid-brain) and the majority of the cranial nerves, III to XII. In general the brain stem governs essential functions that are carried out sub-consciously via reflexes.

The hind brain is also called the rhombencephalon and is the brain stem that provides the connection between the spinal cord and the rest of the brain. The hind brain contains many vital structures including the '''Medulla Oblongata''', the '''Pons''' (the link between the cerebellum, forebrain and mid-brain) and the majority of the '''cranial nerves''', III to XII. In general the brain stem governs essential functions that are carried out sub-consciously via reflexes.

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As well as containing numerous cranial nerves, the hind brain also contains many 'Extra-pyramidal Pathways' which include the Reticular Formation, the Olivary Nucleus and the Pontine Nuclei. The Reticular Formation is a diffuse interconnection of neurons running throughout the brain stem receiving  both sensory and motor nerve tracts. This information is then passed on to higher centres in the brain such as the cerebrum. One important aspect of the reticular formation is that in order to transition from sleep to consciousness the reticular formation is required to activate the cerebral cortex.It also contains Cerebellar pathways and peduncles facilitating a connection from the brain stem to the cerebellum. There are also a number of 'Pyramidal Pathways' and afferent pathways including the Cuneate and Gracile pathways.

As well as containing numerous cranial nerves, the hind brain also contains many ''''Extra-pyramidal Pathways'''' which include the '''Reticular Formation''', the '''Olivary Nucleus''' and the '''Pontine Nuclei'''. The Reticular Formation is a diffuse interconnection of neurons running throughout the brain stem receiving  both sensory and motor nerve tracts. This information is then passed on to higher centres in the brain such as the cerebrum. One important aspect of the reticular formation is that in order to transition from sleep to consciousness the reticular formation is required to activate the cerebral cortex.It also contains Cerebellar pathways and peduncles facilitating a connection from the brain stem to the cerebellum. There are also a number of 'Pyramidal Pathways' and afferent pathways including the Cuneate and Gracile pathways.

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