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Brainstem

Brainstem

The brainstem, located inferior to the brain and superior to the spinal cord, serves as a bridge between the cerebrum and the spinal cord. It plays a vital role in relaying information and controlling critical life functions. It comprises three primary regions: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
The Midbrain
The midbrain is located beneath the diencephalon and connects the cerebrum with the lower parts of the brain. The cerebral peduncles are prominent midbrain structures that house the...

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Arteries of the Head and Neck

The human body's intricate network of arteries ensures that every organ system receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function. The arterial network in the head and neck region is particularly complex, providing vital blood flow to the brain, eyes, and other critical structures. Prominent arteries in this region include the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...

Anatomy of the Brain: Ventricles

Anatomy of the Brain: Ventricles

There are hollow fluid-filled cavities known as ventricles deep inside the human brain. There are two lateral ventricles, one in each cerebral hemisphere, and each has three different projections — the anterior, inferior, and posterior horns visible from the lateral side. A thin membrane called the septum pellucidum separates the two lateral ventricles. The slender third ventricle in the diencephalon is connected to each lateral ventricle via a channel called the interventricular foramen.

Brainstem: Control Centers of Medulla

Brainstem: Control Centers of Medulla

The medulla oblongata is a crucial part of the brainstem responsible for controlling various autonomic and involuntary functions. It contains several nuclei, including the olivary, cuneate, gracile, and solitary nuclei.
Olivary Nucleus
The olivary nucleus, or inferior olivary nucleus, is located within the ventrolateral part of the medulla oblongata. It is primarily involved in motor coordination and motor learning. The olivary nucleus receives input from the spinal cord, cerebellum, and motor...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 22, 2026

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache

Published on: June 2, 2014

Altered brainstem anatomy in migraine.

Kasia K Marciszewski¹, Noemi Meylakh¹, Flavia Di Pietro¹

¹1 Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Cephalalgia : an International Journal of Headache

|September 28, 2017

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Migraine sufferers show altered brainstem anatomy, specifically in areas processing pain signals. These structural changes in the trigeminal system may explain headache perception during migraine attacks.

Keywords:

Spinal trigeminal nucleus diffusion tensor imaging grey matter volume hypothalamus periaqueductal gray matter

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Published on: January 17, 2013

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Neuroimaging
Pain Research

Background:

Migraine mechanisms are not fully understood.
Brainstem structural and functional changes may play a role in migraine pathophysiology.
The trigeminal system is implicated in migraine headache.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate brainstem structural alterations in individuals with migraine using neuroimaging.
To determine if the trigeminal system exhibits altered anatomy in migraineurs.
To correlate brainstem changes with migraine characteristics.

Main Methods:

Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) of T1-weighted MRI scans.
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to assess white matter integrity.
Comparison of brainstem anatomy between migraine patients and healthy controls.

Main Results:

Migraineurs exhibited decreased grey matter volume in the spinal trigeminal nucleus and dorsomedial pons.
Reduced grey matter and increased free water diffusivity were observed in the descending pain modulatory system (periaqueductal gray, pons, medullary raphe).
No correlation found between these anatomical changes and migraine frequency, duration, intensity, or time to next attack.

Conclusions:

Structural changes in the migraine brainstem may contribute to trigeminal pathway activation.
Altered brainstem anatomy could underlie the perception of head pain in migraine.
These findings highlight the brainstem's role in migraine pathophysiology.