Cuneate nucleus
Overview
One of the dorsal column nuclei, the cuneate nucleus is a wedge-shaped nucleus in the closed part of the medulla oblongata. It contains cells that give rise to the cuneate tubercle, visible on the posterior aspect of the medulla. It lies laterally to the gracile nucleus and medial to the spinal trigeminal nucleus in the medulla.
Function
The cuneate nucleus is part of dorsal column-medial lemniscus system, carrying fine touch and proprioceptive information to the thalamus and cerebellum.
Pathology
It may be affected by vitamin E deficiency exhibiting neuroaxonal swelling.
See also
Additional images
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Decussation of pyramids.
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Dissection of brain-stem. Lateral view.
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Deep dissection of brain-stem. Lateral view.
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Superior terminations of the posterior fasciculi of the medulla spinalis.
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Diagram showing the course of the arcuate fibers.
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The formatio reticularis of the medulla oblongata, shown by a transverse section passing through the middle of the olive.
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Scheme showing the course of the fibers of the lemniscus; medial lemniscus in blue, lateral in red.
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Transverse section passing through the sensory decussation.
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Deep dissection of cortex and brain-stem.
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The sensory tract.
