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The Hindbrain
The hindbrain is the posterior part of the Brain, and it consists of the metencephalon and myelencephalon. The metencephalon contains the cerebellum and pons, while the myelencephalon includes the medulla oblongata.
1.0Cerebellum
- The cerebellum is the second largest part of the Brain, also known as the 'little brain'. It is located at the base of the skull, behind the pons, below the main part of the Brain, and runs directly into the spinal cord.
- The cerebellum's internal white matter looks like a leaf's veins.
- There are grooves known as sulci and raised areas known as gyri. The cerebellum also has long and short tracts that send impulses within and to the cerebellum.
- The cerebellum controls the movement of the skeletal muscles and enables smooth, efficient and coordinated movements rather than jerky ones.
- It helps maintain the body's posture and equilibrium.
- This area also maintains learned reflexes, habits, and skills. If the cerebellum is damaged due to an injury, disease, tumour, etc., it causes cerebellar disease, which is associated with typical symptoms.
Also Read: Disorders of muscular and skeletal systems
2.0The Pons/ Pons Varolii
- The pons (Latin for "bridge") is a structure located on the brain stem.
- It is superior to (up from) the medulla oblongata, inferior to (down from) the midbrain, and rostral to (in front of) the cerebellum.
- The pons measure about 2.5 cm in length. It contains nuclei that relay signals.
- The Brain consists of nuclei from the cerebrum to the cerebellum, which deals primarily with sleep, respiration, swallowing, bladder control, hearing, equilibrium, taste, eye movement, facial expressions, facial sensation, and posture.
- The pons is a component of the metencephalon within the hindbrain.
- It plays a crucial role in motor control and sensory processing. For instance, auditory information first reaches the brain through the pons.
- Additionally, the pons is vital for regulating levels of consciousness and sleep. Some structures within the pons connect to the cerebellum, contributing to the coordination of movement and posture.
Anatomy
- The pons are part of the brainstem and sit above the medulla oblongata and below the midbrain. It forms a bridge between the cerebellum and the cerebrum.
Functions
- Relay Station: The pons serve as a major relay centre for communication between the cerebrum and the cerebellum and between the Brain and spinal cord.
- Motor Control and Sensory Analysis: The pons play a role in motor control and sensory analysis. It helps coordinate voluntary movements and integrates sensory information from the body.
- Regulation of Breathing: The pons regulate breathing patterns by working with the medulla oblongata to control the rate and depth of breathing.
- Sleep and Arousal: It contributes to the regulation of sleep and arousal. The pons are involved in controlling REM sleep and maintaining wakefulness.
- Facial Sensation and Movement: The pons contain nuclei involved in facial sensations and motor functions, such as controlling facial expressions and jaw movements.
3.0Medulla
- This structure is the lowest part of the brainstem, situated between the pons and the spinal cord.
- It is crucial for regulating essential bodily functions, including breathing and heart rate. The brainstem manages, relays, and integrates all messages within the brain.
- It also oversees many automatic processes in the body, such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, swallowing, digestion, and blinking.
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