Arcuate nucleus (medulla)

This article is about the structure in the medulla oblongata. For the hypothalamic structure, see Arcuate nucleus.

Arcuate nucleus (medulla)
Transverse section of medulla oblongata below the middle of the olive. ("Nucleus arcuatus" visible near bottom right.)
Dissection of brain-stem. Lateral view. (Labels for "External arcuate fibers" and "Dorsal external arcuate fibers" visible at lower right.)
Details
Identifiers
Latin	nucleus arcuatus medullae oblongatae
NeuroNames	hier-772
NeuroLex ID	Arcuate nucleus of medulla
TA	A14.1.04.256
FMA	72609
*Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy* [edit on Wikidata]

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. They receive fibers from the corticospinal tract and send their axons through the anterior external arcuate fibers and striae medullares to the cerebellum via the inferior cerebellar peduncle.

Arcuate nuclei are capable of chemosensitivity and have a proven role in controlling respiratory frequency.

Additional images

Diagram showing the course of the arcuate fibers.
The formatio reticularis of the medulla oblongata, shown by a transverse section passing through the middle of the olive.

Anatomy of the medulla

afferent:	Solitary nucleus tract Dorsal respiratory group Gustatory nucleus Vestibular nuclei Lateral Medial Inferior

efferent:	Hypoglossal nucleus Nucleus ambiguus Dorsal nucleus of vagus nerve Inferior salivatory nucleus

Dorsal

Ventral

Dorsal	Sensory Sensory decussation Medial lemniscus Juxtarestiform body Ascending dorsal longitudinal fasciculus Medial longitudinal fasciculus Motor Descending dorsal longitudinal fasciculus Medial longitudinal fasciculus

Ventral	Descending tracts Olivocerebellar tract Rubro-olivary tract

Surface

Front	Pyramid decussation Anterior median fissure Anterolateral sulcus Olive Inferior olivary nucleus

Back	Posterior median sulcus Posterolateral sulcus Area postrema Vagal trigone Hypoglossal trigone Medial eminence Inferior cerebellar peduncle

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