Hypoglossal nucleus

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Hypoglossal nucleus
Section of the medulla oblongata. (Hypoglossal nucleus visible top left.)
The cranial nerve nuclei schematically represented; dorsal view. Motor nuclei in red; sensory in blue. (XII labeled at bottom left.)
Details
Identifiers
Latinnucleus nervi hypoglossi
NeuroNames757
NeuroLex IDbirnlex_2644
TA98A14.1.04.227
TA26010
FMA54505
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy

The hypoglossal nucleus is a cranial nerve nucleus, found within the medulla. Being a motor nucleus, it is close to the midline. In the open medulla, it is visible as what is known as the hypoglossal trigone, a raised area (medial to the vagal trigone) protruding slightly into the fourth ventricle.

The hypoglossal nucleus is located between the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus and the midline of the medulla. Axons from the hypoglossal nucleus pass anteriorly through the medulla forming the hypoglossal nerve which exits between the pyramid and olive in a groove called the anterolateral sulcus.

See also

Additional images

  • Transverse section of medulla oblongata below the middle of the olive.
    Transverse section of medulla oblongata below the middle of the olive.
  • Nuclei of origin of cranial motor nerves schematically represented; lateral view.
    Nuclei of origin of cranial motor nerves schematically represented; lateral view.
  • Micrograph showing the hypoglossal nuclei in relation to their surrounding structures.
    Micrograph showing the hypoglossal nuclei in relation to their surrounding structures.
  • Micrograph showing the hypoglossal nucleus. H&E-LFB stain.
    Micrograph showing the hypoglossal nucleus. H&E-LFB stain.

External links