| Synonyms: |
Me5,
mesencephalic nuclei of trigeminal nerves,
mesencephalic nucleus,
mesencephalic nucleus of the trigeminal,
mesencephalic nucleus of the trigeminal nerve,
mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus,
mesencephalic trigeminal V nucleus,
midbrain trigeminal nucleus,
nucleus mesencephalicus nervi trigeminalis,
nucleus mesencephalicus nervi trigemini,
nucleus of mesencephalic root of v,
nucleus tractus mesencephalici nervi trigemini,
nucleus tractus mesencephalicus nervi trigemini,
trigeminal mesencephalic nucleus,
trigeminal nerve mesencepahlic nucleus,
trigeminal V mesencephalic nucleus
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| Definition: |
Elongated nucleus located in the midbrain tegmentum that receives proprioceptive input from both teh extraocular and the masticatory muscles. Contrary to the general rule, the cell bodies that give rise to these sensory fibers are located within the mesencephalic nucleus rather than in a peripheral ganglion. Some of the sensory fibers in the mesencephalic root give off collaterals to the trigeminal motor nucleus, thereby providing the anatomic basis for the monosynaptic jaw reflex. (Heimer, L. The Human Brain and Spinal Cord, 2nd ed. 1996, page 248). |