The metencephalon or hindbrain is part of the rhombencephalon and is composed of the cerebellum and bridge (pons). Numerous centers and nuclei contribute to motor function, coordination, and learning processes. Pathologic relevance to the metencephalon is possessed primarily by malformations and lesions that can lead to deficits in functional areas. What is the metencephalon? The … Metencephalon: Structure, Function & Diseases
In the mid-19th century, the calabar bean was used in its native West Africa to bring about divine judgments: If the suspected criminal died from the bean being offered, he was guilty of the crime; if he survived and vomited, it was taken as proof of his innocence. The seeds of the calabar bean are … Calabar Bean: Applications, Treatments, Health Benefits
In the stretch-shortening cycle (DVZ), an eccentric stretch of a muscle is followed by a concentric contraction of the same muscle, which conserves energy and uses the kinetic energy from the stretch. The DVZ plays an important role in reactive movements and is triggered by muscle flexibility and the stretch reflex. Disorders of the cycle … Elongation-shortening Cycle: Function, Tasks, Role & Diseases
Bickerstaff encephalitis is a disease associated with inflammation in the brainstem. In addition, the nerves of the brain are affected by Bickerstaff encephalitis, so patients usually suffer severe disorders of consciousness. Recently, the medical community has been increasingly investigating the link between Bickerstaff encephalitis and Miller-Fisher syndrome. What is Bickerstaff encephalitis? Bickerstaff encephalitis was first … Bickerstaff Encephalitis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Grasping is an automated movement pattern that is planned in the motor cortex of the brain. From there, the movement plan for reaching is transmitted to the voluntary muscles via the brain‘s pyramidal pathways. Impaired reaching movement may indicate neurodegenerative diseases. What is reaching? Grasping is an automated movement pattern that is planned in the … Grasping: Function, Task & Diseases
Ophthalmoplegia progressiva externa is a progressive and genetic paralysis of the external eye muscles in the setting of mitochondriopathy. Drooping of the eyelids is considered the leading symptom, but cardiac arrhythmias may also occur. No causal therapy exists. What is ophthalmoplegia progressiva externa? The clinical term “ophthalmoplegia” refers to isolated paralysis of the internal or … Ophthalmoplegia Progressiva Externa: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Flynn-Aird syndrome is a rare malformation syndrome of the central nervous system, also known as hereditary neuroectodermal syndrome. The cause of the symptoms is a genetic disorder during embryonic development. A causal therapy is not yet available. What is Flynn-Aird syndrome? Flynn-Aird syndrome is a symptom complex belonging to the group of malformation syndromes. The … Flynn-Aird Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Joubert syndrome is characterized by a congenital malformation of the brain stem as well as agenesis (inhibition malformation, lack of attachment, for example, cerebral bar, vermiform appendix). There may also be hypoplasia (underdevelopment) of the cerebellar vermis. Patients suffering from this autosomal recessive genetic defect exhibit abnormal respiratory behavior and ataxia, among other symptoms. What … Joubert Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
The vestibuloocular reflex is one of the brainstem reflexes. When the head turns, the eyes reflexively move in the opposite direction to stabilize the image on the retina. If the reflex cannot be triggered on unconscious or comatose patients, this association suggests that brain death has occurred. What is the vestibuloocular reflex? The vestibuloocular reflex … Vestibulo-ocular Reflex: Function, Role & Diseases
Arts syndrome is a disease that, according to previous findings, is enormously rare. Only a few families are known to have Arts syndrome. Arts syndrome exists from birth and has genetic causes. The main symptoms of the disease consist of impaired hearing, ataxia, and optic atrophy. What is Arts syndrome? Arts syndrome is known by … Arts Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
The basilar artery is an artery in the human brain. Its origin is at the junction of the left as well as the right vertebral arteries. Basically, the basilar artery is one of the arteries responsible for supplying the brain with oxygenated blood. A serious disease that sometimes occurs in connection with the vertebral artery … Basilar Artery: Structure, Function & Diseases
Olivopontocerebellar ataxia (OPCA) is an inherited disorder, a degenerative systemic disease of the cerebellum, bridge, and olive in which the cerebellum shrinks over time. The cerebellum is the center of movement coordination. It regulates the basic tension of muscles, coordinates movements and controls the maintenance of balance. In other words, it ensures that we can … What is Olivopontocerebellar Ataxia?
