Brainstem’s involvement in Motor process

Main functions in motor process: Mediates motor (and sensation) control of the head, neck and face. Influences parasympathetic reflexes Contains ascending and descending pathways that carry motor (and sensory) information to other divisions of the central nervous system

Cranial nerves Most of cranial nerves arise from brainstem The occular motor nerves (III.,IV.,VI.) control movements of the eyes The spinal accessory nerve (XI.) innervates the trapesius and sternocleidomatoid muscles on the same side of the body. The hypoglossal nerve (XII.) innervates the muscles of the tongue.

Nuclei of brainstem General visceral Motor Column: It contains preganglionic neurons that control eye movements and parasymphatetic preganglionic neurons that innervate multiple regions of parasymphatetic system. Special Visceral Motor Column: TheseI nuclei innervates muscles of mastication,facial expression, larynx pharynx.