This week let's take a first pass at covering some brainstem anatomy. Let's discuss the three subsections, the broad functions these have, and point out some of the fascinating features this vital area of the brain houses.

Terms covered this week, The midbrain, the pons and the medulla oblongata. The cerebral and cerebellar peduncles. The corpora quadragemina, which itself is made up of the superior and inferior colliculi. The red nucleus, the substantia nigra and the reticular formation. The medullary pyramids and lots of cranial nerve nuclei.