Question

The ‘Tree of life’ is
A. Arbor vitae
B. Pons Varolii
C. Organ of Corti
D. Diencephalon

Answer 1

The Arbor vitae in the cerebellum have a highly branched structure, the Pons Varolii has the appearance of a bridge, the organ of Corti is just like our body’s microphone and the diencephalon is like embedded almonds deep inside our brain.

Step by step answer: A tree is a branched structure and spreads in its surroundings in a mesh-like network. Based on this phenomenon, just look at each option’s physical appearance and compare them
-In Option A, Arbor vitae is mentioned. Arbor vitae, which is a Latin word meaning the ‘Tree of life’. The appearance of Arbor vitae exactly resembles that of a tree as it is highly branched and appears to originate from a root structure. It is situated internally in the cerebellum in a mesh-like network. It is a tract made of white matter and serves to and from the cerebellum both motor and sensory data. It houses deep cerebellar nuclei which serve vital functions to the brain overall.
-In option B, Pons Varolii is mentioned. It is one of the major parts of the brainstem. It is much smoother in appearance to Arbor vitae and occupies a broader area of the brainstem. It is majorly composed of white matter with some grey matter. Just like the brainstem, Pons Varolii serves the function of a connector between the spinal cord and brain as well as between the different parts of the brain itself.
-In option C, Organ of Corti is mentioned. It is located in the middle cochlear canal and serves as the mechanoreceptor as it contains hair cells over its basilar membrane which gets stimulated over different movements of the body and provides a vestibular sense.
In option D, Diencephalon is mentioned. The Diencephalon is part of the Prosencephalon that Is the Forebrain. It comprises of the Dorsal Thalamus, pineal gland, and Hypothalamus. It is located in between the cerebrum as roof and the midbrain as floor.
Hence, the right answer is Arbor vitae, i.e., Option A

Note: The Arbor vitae is branched and the Pons Varolii too have some linear ridges and groves but much smoother than that of Arbor vitae. So, there is a clear differentiation between both these structures. The cerebellum is a clover leave-like structure while Arbor vitae is the tree over which the clover leaves (cerebellum) is situated.