Prepositus nucleus
Nucleus prepositus
- Latin synonym: Nucleus praepositus
- Synonym: Prepositus hypoglossal nucleus
- Eponym: Nucleus of Marburg
Definition
The prepositus nucleus integrates almost seamlessly with the nucleus intercalatus in its caudal part and extends rostrally to a diffuse boundary near the caudal end of the abducens nucleus. It displays considerable variability in its cellular composition based on the rostrocaudal axis. In its caudal third, the nucleus shows an abundance of large multipolar cells ventrally, whereas its dorsal part contains predominantly smaller cells. At more rostral regions, medium-sized spindle-shaped and piriform cells dominate alongside decreasing cell density. Large multipolar cells are nearly absent rostrally, where the nucleus tapers dorsomedially and merges with adjacent structures, including the medial vestibular nucleus and medial longitudinal fasciculus.
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.
