FIGURE H66

BRAINSTEM - UPPER PONS

B3 LEVEL
Superior cerebellar
Cerebellum peduncle
Fourth ventricle

Locus ceruleus Mesencephalic n. CN V

Lateral lemniscus
Medial longitudinal
fasciculus
Anterolateral system
Reticular formation Medial lemniscus

Cortico-spinal fibres

Pontine nuclei
Middle cerebellar
peduncle

The identifying features of the upper pons are: the pontine nuclei with the dispersing
cortico-spinal fibers, and the enlarging fourth ventricle. The superior cerebellar peduncles
enter the brainstem at this level. The cerebellum will usually be sectioned through, but not
all atlases actually include it.

The structures that are specific for this level include the locus ceruleus and often included
is the exiting fibers of CN IV (trochlear). The position of the ascending systems - medial
lemniscus (with anterolateral) and lateral lemniscus - should be noted.

SEE the diagrammatic brainstem section (Fig. 66) at this level.

4 40b 66