Subhypoglossal nucleus
Nucleus subhypoglossalis
- Eponym: Nucleus of Roller
Definition
The subhypoglossal nucleus, also known as the nucleus of Roller, is located ventral to the hypoglossal nucleus and lateral to the medial longitudinal fasciculus. The nucleus contains large multipolar cells interspersed with medium-sized and small cells. Although not consistently compact, it exhibits strong connections with both the nucleus intercalatus and the nucleus praepositus. These connections are reinforced by longitudinally running fiber bundles that separate the nucleus from the reticular formation. The subhypoglossal nucleus shows significant individual variability, particularly in relation to its caudal extent and its cellular organization.
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.
