Hindbrain - Anatomy & Physiology

()Map NERVOUS AND SPECIAL SENSES (Map)

Introduction

Includes development and overview of the system (Paragraph format)

Structure and Function

	Structures Present	Function
Hindbrain (Rhombencephalon)	Myelencephalon - Medulla Oblongata Metencephalon - Pons and Cerebellum	Medulla Oblongata - Cranial nerves, hearing, visceral fibres Pons - Fibres to cerebrum Cerebellum - Posture, balance etc

Cerebellum

The location of the cerebellum. Image courtesy of BioMed Archive

• The cerebellum:
  • Inhibits upper motor neurons
  • Co-ordinates movement

Consequences of Cerebellar Pathology

• Cerebellar pathology can result in:
  1. Hypermetria
  2. Unconsious proprioceptive deficits
  3. Increased motor tone on the side of the lesion (in assymetrical damage).
     • This gives head tilting AWAY from the damage.
       • "A paradoxical vestibular sign".
• Damage to the cerebellum does NOT cause weakness.

Species Differences

• The size of the brain differs between species, but otherwise the structure is quite constant.