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Table 1 Functional neuroanatomy for the intensivist

From: Brainstem dysfunction in critically ill patients

 

Anatomic structures

Function

Gray matter

Nuclei of cranial nerves

Brainstem reflexes

Nuclei of ascending reticular activating system (ARAS)

Arousal, sleep/wake cycles, and alertness

Nuclei of the extrapyramidal system

Automatic movements

Nuclei of the central autonomic system

Vital function regulation and homeostasis

White matter

Axons of ascending pathways:

Posterior column-medial lemniscus pathway

Spinothalamic tract and lateral lemniscus pathway

Sensory information:

Fine touch, vibration, two-point discrimination, and proprioception

Pain and temperature

Axons of descending pathways:

Pyramidal corticospinal and corticobulbar tracts

Extrapyramidal tract (rubrospinal, pontine and medullary reticulospinal tract, lateral vestibulospinal and tectospinal tracts)

Voluntary motor control

Reflexes, locomotion, complex movements, and postural control