Caudal part of spinal trigeminal nucleus

The caudal part of spinal trigeminal nucleus is the lower section of this nucleus. It is related to the interpolar part located above it and extends slightly into the cervical spinal cord. This section receives pain and temperature information from the most lateral regions of the face, including the forehead, cheek, and jaw areas.

To fully understand the function and organization of the caudal portion, it is important to know that the spinal trigeminal nucleus and the spinal tract of the trigeminal nerve are organized somatotopically from top to bottom. In this top-to-bottom somatotopic organization within the spinal nucleus, the central or perioral areas are represented more rostrally—that is, toward the top of the nucleus. As we move to more lateral areas, farther from the mouth, these regions are represented more caudally or lower within the spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve. Based on this somatotopic organization, the spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve is subdivided into three parts, ranging from rostral to caudal: the oral, interpolar, and caudal parts.