OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

What structures make up the brain stem?

1. Cerebrum, cerebellum and pituitary

2. Diencephalons, hypothalamus and thalamus

3. Ventricles and CSF

4. Pons, medulla and midbrain

The correct answer is: Pons, medulla and midbrain

The brain stem is fundamentally composed of the pons, medulla oblongata, and midbrain. These structures play crucial roles in regulating vital life functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, as well as serving as pathways for communication between different parts of the brain and the spinal cord. The pons serves as a bridge between various parts of the nervous system, particularly between the cerebellum and the cerebrum, and is involved in regulating breathing. The medulla oblongata continues from the spinal cord and controls autonomic functions like heartbeat and blood vessel diameter. The midbrain is involved in various functions including vision, hearing, motor control, sleep/wake, arousal, and temperature regulation. Other options listed do not accurately represent the components of the brain stem and thus are not aligned with its anatomy and functions. The cerebrum and cerebellum, for instance, are separate parts of the brain, while the diencephalons, hypothalamus, and thalamus relate to other functions and structures within the brain. Similarly, ventricles and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are essential for protecting and nourishing the brain but are not structural components of the brain stem itself.