Arcuate nucleus (medulla) explained

In the medulla oblongata, the arcuate nucleus is a group of neurons located on the anterior surface of the medullary pyramids. These nuclei are the extension of the pontine nuclei.^[1]

They receive afferents from the corticospinal tract.

They in turn project efferents into the cerebellum through the inferior cerebellar peduncle as:

• the anterior internal arcuate fibers which pass along the midline before decussating near the rhomboid fossa (floor of fourth ventricle) then passing laterally as the medullary striae;
• the anterior external arcuate fibers.

Function

Arcuate nuclei are capable of chemosensitivity and have a proven role in the respiratory center controlling the breathing rate.^[2]

External links

• • PubMed article

Notes and References

1. Book: Standring, Susan . Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice . . 2020 . 978-0-7020-7707-4 . 42th . New York . 445.e1 . 1201341621.
2. Paradiso . B . Ferrero . S . Thiene . G . Lavezzi . AM . Variability of the medullary arcuate nucleus in humans. . Brain and Behavior . November 2018 . 8 . 11 . e01133 . 10.1002/brb3.1133 . 30329220. 11577/3281424 . free .