Trochlear nucleus
The nucleus of the trochlear nerve (/ˈtrɒklɪər/)[1] is located in the midbrain, at an intercollicular level between the superior colliculus and inferior colliculus.[2] It is a motor nucleus, and so is located near the midline, embedded within the medial longitudinal fasciculus (see diagram at right). The oculomotor nerve and trochlear nerve are the only two cranial nerves with nuclei in the midbrain, other than the trigeminal nerve, which has a midbrain nucleus called the mesencephalic nucleus of trigeminal nerve, which functions in preserving dentition.
Trochlear nucleus | |
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Details | |
Identifiers | |
Latin | nucleus nervi trochlearis |
NeuroNames | 513 |
NeuroLex ID | birnlex_1488 |
TA98 | A14.1.06.319 |
TA2 | 5890 |
FMA | 54518 |
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy |
Oddly, fibers from the trochlear nucleus cross over in the trochlear decussation of the midbrain, located in the superior medullary velum to exit dorsally, the only cranial nerve to do so. The trochlear nerve then goes around the midbrain, and is visible coming out of the sides.
See also
Additional images
- Nuclei of origin of cranial motor nerves schematically represented; lateral view.
- Scheme showing central connections of the optic nerves and optic tracts.
- Brain stem sagittal section
References
- "Trochlear | Definition of Trochlear by Oxford Dictionary on Lexico.com also meaning of Trochlear". Lexico Dictionaries | English. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020.
- Baxter, Donald; Olsewski, Jerzy (1982). Cytoarchitecture of the Human Brain Stem (2nd ed.). Basel: S. Karger. pp. 50–51. ISBN 3-8055-2210-X.
External links
- Atlas image: n2a4p4 at the University of Michigan Health System - "Brainstem, Cranial Nerve Nuclei, Sagittal Section, Medial View"