Identify the correct function of the anatomical structure indicated by the blue arrow in the image below:
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Options:
explanation: The image shows an axial section through the medulla oblongata, with the anterior surface on the inferior aspect of the image and the posterior surface on the superior aspect of the image. The blue arrow points to one of the two pyramids, which are two swellings on the anterior surface of the medulla, lateral to the anterior median fissure and medial to the olives. The pyramids allow the passage of the white matter fibre bundles emerging from the primary motor cortex and descending as the pyramidal tracts (also termed corticospinal tracts) into the spinal cord. The function of the corticospinal tracts is to provide voluntary motor control over the skeletal muscles of the body.
name: Controlling voluntary movements of the skeletal muscles
label: a
answer: yes
explanation: The image shows an axial section through the medulla oblongata, with the anterior surface on the inferior aspect of the image and the posterior surface on the superior aspect of the image. Information about peripheral pain or thermal stimuli is transmitted through the lateral spinothalamic tract, which is one of the ascending tracts of the spinal cord providing impulses to the thalamus and ultimately to the primary motor cortex. However, the blue arrow points to one of the two pyramids, which are two swellings on the anterior surface of the medulla, lateral to the anterior median fissure and medial to the olives. The function of the corticospinal tracts is to provide voluntary motor control over the skeletal muscles of the body.
name: Providing information about peripheral pain or thermal stimuli
label: c
answer: no
explanation: The image shows an axial section through the medulla oblongata, with the anterior surface on the inferior aspect of the image and the posterior surface on the superior aspect of the image. The proprioceptive signals from the muscle spindles and joint receptors are transmitted to the cerebellum through the anterior spinocerebellar tract, an ascending white matter tract located on the lateral aspect of the spinal cord and the inferior medulla oblongata. However, the blue arrow points to one of the two pyramids, which are two swellings on the anterior surface of the medulla, lateral to the anterior median fissure and medial to the olives. The function of the corticospinal tracts is to provide voluntary motor control over the skeletal muscles of the body.
name: Transmitting proprioceptive signals from the muscle spindles and joint receptors to the cerebellum
label: e
answer: no
explanation: The image shows an axial section through the medulla oblongata, with the anterior surface on the inferior aspect of the image and the posterior surface on the superior aspect of the image. Motor coordination, tone, posture and balance are all functions which are regulated by the cerebellum, which lies posterior to the brainstem. However, the blue arrow points to one of the two pyramids, which are two swellings on the anterior surface of the medulla, lateral to the anterior median fissure and medial to the olives. The function of the corticospinal tracts is to provide voluntary motor control over the skeletal muscles of the body.
name: Controlling motor coordination, tone, posture and balance
label: b
answer: no
explanation: The image shows an axial section through the medulla oblongata, with the anterior surface on the inferior aspect of the image and the posterior surface on the superior aspect of the image. Information about vibration and proprioception from the lower limbs is transmitted through the gracilis fasciculus, which is an ascending white matter tract located on the posterior aspect of the spinal cord and inferior medulla oblongata. It is located medial to the cuneate fasciculus, which transmits the same information from the upper limbs. However, the blue arrow points to one of the two pyramids, which are two swellings on the anterior surface of the medulla, lateral to the anterior median fissure and medial to the olives. The function of the corticospinal tracts is to provide voluntary motor control over the skeletal muscles of the body.
name: Transmitting information about vibration and proprioception from the lower limbs
label: d
answer: no

Correct answer: a