Medial motor nuclei of spinal nerves

Nuclei motorii mediales nervorum spinalium

Definition

Muhammad A. Javaid

The medial motor nuclei of spinal nerves, located in the medial part of the anterior gray horns of the spinal cord, extend throughout its length. These nuclei innervate muscles near the midline, playing a vital role in axial stability, posture, and pelvic floor function.

  • Cervical Region: Prominent medial motor nuclei control neck muscles, facilitating head movement and posture support.

  • Thoracic and Lumbar Regions: They innervate intrinsic trunk muscles, aiding in axial stability, posture maintenance, respiration, and locomotion.

  • Sacral Segments: These nuclei regulate perineal muscle function, critical for pelvic floor support and urinary and fecal continence.

References

  • Snell, R.S. (2010). ‘Chapter 4: The Spinal Cord and the Ascending and Descending Tracts’, in Clinical Neuroanatomy. (7th ed.) Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, pp. 137-142.