Trigeminal nerve nuclei

The sensory trigeminal nerve nuclei are the largest of the cranial nerve nuclei, and extend through the whole of the midbrain, pons and medulla, and into the high cervical spinal cord.

The nucleus is divided into three parts, from rostral to caudal (top to bottom in humans):

• The mesencephalic nucleus
• The principal sensory nucleus
• The spinal trigeminal nucleus

The spinal trigeminal nucleus is further subdivided into three parts, from rostral to caudal:

• Pars oralis (from the Pons to the Hypoglossal nucleus)
• Pars interpolaris (from the Hypoglossal nucleus to the obex)
• Pars caudalis (from the obex to C2)

There is also a distinct trigeminal motor nucleus that is medial to the principal sensory nucleus.

See also

• Photic sneeze reflex
• Trigeminal nerve

Additional images

External links

• Atlas image: n2a4p5 at the University of Michigan Health System
• Washington University

1. Spinal trigeminal nucleus
2. Trigeminal nerve
3. Cranial nerve nucleus
4. Mesencephalic nucleus of trigeminal nerve
5. Cranial nerves
6. Principal sensory nucleus of trigeminal nerve
7. Pons
8. Trigeminal motor nucleus
9. Photic sneeze reflex
10. Inferior alveolar nerve
11. Medulla oblongata
12. Vestibular nuclei
13. Dorsal column nuclei
14. Facial nerve
15. Pontine tegmentum
16. Oculomotor nerve
17. Vagus nerve
18. Special visceral efferent fibers
19. Facial motor nucleus
20. Optic nerve