Cerebral crus

Cerebral crus is a part of the brain's anatomy that is also known as the crus cerebri. It is a significant component of the brainstem, specifically the midbrain, and plays a crucial role in connecting the cerebral cortex to the pons and medulla oblongata.

Anatomy

The cerebral crus is located in the midbrain, which is the uppermost part of the brainstem. Each cerebral crus contains a large bundle of nerve fibers, known as the corticospinal tract, that carries signals from the cerebral cortex to the spinal cord. The cerebral crus also contains the corticobulbar tract, which carries signals to the cranial nerves.

Function

The primary function of the cerebral crus is to facilitate communication between different parts of the brain and the rest of the body. The corticospinal tract within the cerebral crus is responsible for carrying signals from the cerebral cortex to the spinal cord, which controls voluntary muscle movements. The corticobulbar tract, on the other hand, carries signals to the cranial nerves, which control the muscles of the face, head, and neck.

Clinical significance

Damage to the cerebral crus can result in a variety of neurological disorders. For instance, a stroke or traumatic brain injury that affects the cerebral crus can lead to hemiplegia, a condition characterized by paralysis on one side of the body. Other potential conditions include cerebral palsy and Parkinson's disease, both of which can result from damage to the nerve fibers within the cerebral crus.

See also

• Brainstem
• Cerebral cortex
• Corticospinal tract
• Corticobulbar tract
• Midbrain

References

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  Diagram of the cranial nerve nuclei, including the oculomotor nucleus.

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  Frontal (coronal) section of the human brain.