Question

What are the parts of hind brain? Write their structure and functions.

Accepted Answer

The whole human brain is divided into three regions, such as forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain. Hind brain consists of three parts : pons, cerebellum and medulla oblongata.

Pons: Pons consist of a larger ventral part and a smaller dorsal part, which are a thick layer of transverse fibre called corpus trapezoideum.

Some functions of the pons are:

Pons connects the midbrain with the medulla oblongata.

It also connects the right and left sides of the cerebellum.

In pons, pneumotaxic and apneustic area are present.

It serves as the site of origin of cranial nerves, such as V, VI, VII, VIII.

Cerebellum: The cerebellum is located under the occipital lobes and dorsal to the pons and medulla oblongata. It consists of two hemispheres, connected by the vermis, which is a narrow median part. Each hemisphere consists of some prominent transverse fissure, pre and post pyramidal fissure, etc., that divide the cerebellum into many parts. The cerebellum is divided into two primary lobes, as flocculonodular lobe and the corpus cerebelli lobe. It also contains grey (outer) and white matter (inner).

Functions of the cerebellum:

It maintains muscle tone.

It controls the equilibrium and posture of the body.

It also regulates voluntary movements.

Medulla oblongata: It is a cone-shaped lowermost part of the hindbrain that extends from beneath the pons up to the upper end of the spinal cord. It measures about 28 mm in length and about 24 mm in transverse diameter. It has an anterior median fissure, whose both sides bear longitudinal elevations called pyramids of the medulla oblongata.

Functions of medulla oblongata:

In medulla oblongata, respiratory, vasomotor, cardiac, etc., centres are present.

It acts as a relay centre for touch stimuli.

The medulla controls visceral reflexes.

It acts as a site of origin of VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, etc., cranial nerves.

What are the parts of hind brain? Write their structure and functions.

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