Learning Brainstem Anatomy: A Mnemonic Device-Learning Brainstem Anatomy

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, Dr. Jim McDevitt discusses brainstem neuroanatomy. He introduces the three components of the brainstem: the midbrain, pons, and medulla. He discusses the blood supply to the brainstem and the major vessels involved. Dr. McDevitt then goes on to teach a mnemonic device to help remember the location of the cranial nerve nuclei within the brainstem. He explains the "rule of five," which states that cranial nerves with a "V" in their name are located in the pons. He also introduces the "rule of 12," which explains that anything that is a factor of 12 is located in the midline. Additionally, he discusses the medial and lateral tracks within the brainstem and explains how to determine whether they act ipsilaterally or contralaterally. Dr. McDevitt provides examples of clinical presentations and relates them to specific brainstem lesions. He concludes by encouraging viewers to practice drawing a grid and placing the cranial nerve nuclei and tracks correctly.

Keywords

brainstem neuroanatomy

midbrain

pons

medulla

cranial nerve nuclei