Trigeminal nerve nuclei

Trigeminal nerve nuclei are a group of nuclei (clusters of nerve cells) in the brainstem that carry sensory information from the face and head via the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve nuclei are divided into four parts: the mesencephalic nucleus, the principal sensory nucleus, the spinal nucleus, and the motor nucleus.

Etymology

The term "trigeminal" comes from the Latin words "tri" (three) and "geminus" (twin), referring to the three major branches of the nerve. The term "nucleus" in this context refers to a cluster of nerve cells in the brain.

Mesencephalic nucleus

The mesencephalic nucleus is unique among the sensory nuclei because it contains the cell bodies of primary sensory neurons. These neurons are responsible for proprioception, the sense of the relative position of one's own parts of the body and strength of effort being employed in movement.

Principal sensory nucleus

The principal sensory nucleus (or chief sensory nucleus) receives information about light touch and position sense. It is located in the pons, an area of the brainstem.

Spinal nucleus

The spinal nucleus (or descending nucleus) extends into the medulla oblongata and the cervical spinal cord and receives information about pain and temperature from the face.

Motor nucleus

The motor nucleus provides motor innervation to the muscles of mastication and other muscles in the oral cavity and throat.

Related terms

• Trigeminal nerve: The fifth cranial nerve, which provides sensory innervation to the face and motor innervation to the muscles of mastication.
• Brainstem: The posterior part of the brain, continuous with the spinal cord, which contains the nuclei of the cranial nerves.
• Proprioception: The sense of the relative position of one's own parts of the body and strength of effort being employed in movement.
• Pons: Part of the brainstem that lies above the medulla oblongata and below the midbrain.
• Medulla oblongata: The lower half of the brainstem, which controls autonomic functions and connects the higher levels of the brain to the spinal cord.

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