Intercalated nucleus
Nucleus intercalatus
- Eponym: Nucleus of Staderini
- Related terms: Intercalated nucleus (of Staderini)
Definition
The intercalated nucleus first appears caudally as a small collection of cells near the rostral end of the hypoglossal nucleus, positioned between the hypoglossal nucleus ventrally and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus dorsolaterally. As it extends rostrally, its size increases, and the cyto-architecture gradually changes. The cells are primarily small, round or oval, with Nissl granules sparsely distributed in their cytoplasm. At rostral levels, medium-sized cells become more prevalent, and larger multipolar cells emerge, particularly near its transition into the nucleus praepositus. This transition occurs just below the rostral end of the hypoglossal nucleus, where the density and size of cells increase markedly.
The perihypoglossal nuclei are collectively implicated in gaze stabilization, spatial orientation, and head-neck coordination.
References
Yamaguchi, K. and Yazawa, T., 2022. Development of the human perihypoglossal nuclei from mid-gestation to the perinatal period: A morphological study. Neuroscience Letters, 782, p.136696. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136696 [Accessed 23 Dec. 2024].
BRODAL A. Experimental demonstration of cerebellar connexions from the perihypoglossal nuclei (nucleus intercalatus, nucleus praepositus hypoglossal and nucleus of roller) in the cat. J Anat. 1952 Apr;86(2):110-29.
