Perihypoglossal nuclei
Nuclei perihypoglossales
Definition
The perihypoglossal nuclei are a group of interconnected nuclei located in the medulla oblongata, surrounding the hypoglossal nucleus, near the floor of the fourth ventricle. These nuclei include the subhypoglossal nucleus (nucleus of Roller), intercalated nucleus, and prepositus nucleus.
These perihypoglossal nuclei collectively form an anatomically and functionally interconnected system, closely related to structures such as the medial longitudinal fasciculus, cranial nerve nuclei involved in extraocular movements, the vestibular nuclei, cerebellum, and the reticular formation, including the paramedian pontine reticular formation. The nuclei are implicated in gaze stabilization, spatial orientation, and head-neck coordination. Lesions in the nucleus prepositus impair the ability to keep the eyes fixed on a visual target, although conjugate movements are still performed accurately.
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.
