Neuroanatomy Lab 1 Module 1.2: The Pons

and Midbrain

Neuroscience BlockDrs. Georgia Bishop and

Chris Pierson

Jacobus Sylvius Thomas Willis

Santiago Ramón y Cajal Paul Edinger

Module Purpose• To facilitate small group

learning by providing step-by-step guidance to assist in the identification of important neuroanatomic structures and relationships while providing a foundation on which to build clinical knowledge and skills

Learning Outcomes/ Competencies

• At the end of this module you will have enhanced your vocabulary and understanding of important neuroanatomical relationships of the pons and midbrain in preparation for more detailed and complicated topics later in the Neuroscience Block and for future clinical applications.

Objectives

• 9971: Explain basic terminology related to the organization of the central and peripheral nervous system.

• 10020: Describe the location and relationships of relevant nuclei in the CNS on gross brain specimens, cross sectional material, and radiographic images.

• 10046: Describe the location and relationships of relevant descending tracts in the CNS on gross brain specimens, cross sectional material, and radiographic images.

Structures of the pons: Anterior

Figure 11.3: J. Nolte The Human Brain: An Introduction to its Functional Anatomy 6th ed

Structures of the pons: Lateral

Figure 11.3: J. Nolte The Human Brain: An Introduction to its Functional Anatomy 6th ed

Clinical correlation• 10 year old girl, 1 week history of gait changes and

headache; Physical examination shows left cranial nerve VI palsy

• MRI revealed a tumor in the pons• Worsening hearing, hyperreflexia, Babinski sign,

weakness with ataxia and dysmetria over time

Pons

Corticospinal tract (CST)Crossing fibers or

transverse pontine fibers (TP)

Middle cerebellar peduncle

Abducens nucleus and nerve fibers

DIPG Diffusion Tensor Imaging

CST

MCP

CTT

TP

Donaldson SS, et al JCO 2006

Anterior

AB

C

MCP

CTT

CST

TP

tumor

tumor

Structures of the midbrain: Anterior

Figure 11.3: J. Nolte The Human Brain: An Introduction to its Functional Anatomy 6th ed

Structures of the midbrain: Posterior

Figure 11.3: J. Nolte The Human Brain: An Introduction to its Functional Anatomy 6th ed

In conclusion….• You should now be able to recognize key neuroanatomic

landmarks and structures of the pons and midbrain• At the end of the lab you should understand a number of

important neuroanatomical relationships of the pons and midbrain

• The relationships emphasized in lab are relevant to actual clinical problems you will encounter in your Neurology clerkship and throughout your career

• You will be expected to use this new vocabulary fluently in the Neuroscience Block as more detailed and complicated topics are introduced and in future clinical applications such as your Neurology clerkship

Thanks! Please address questions to:

• Chris Pierson Christopher.pierson@nationwidechildrens.org

• Georgia Bishop Georgia.Bishop@osumc.edu

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Pons

Midbrain

Midbrain anterior