Spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve

Last revised by Frank Gaillard on 9 Apr 2023

The spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve is one of three major nuclei that make up the trigeminal sensory nerve nuclear complex along with the main sensory nucleus and the mesencephalic nucleus 1-2.

Gross anatomy

The spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve is a paired structure and is an inferior continuation of the main sensory nucleus of the trigeminal nerve. It extends from the caudal lower pons inferiorly through the medulla to the level of the upper cervical cord (approximately C2 to C3 levels) where it becomes continuous with the dorsal horn of the spinal cord.  The spinal nucleus lies ventral to the vestibular and cochlear nuclei and medial to the inferior cerebellar peduncles.

The spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve has three parts with somatotopic mapping of the face upside down; the upper part mapping to the lower face whereas the lowest most caudal part maps the forehead 3,4:

  • pars oralis: from pons to mid-medulla, joining the main sensory nucleus of the trigeminal nerve

  • pars interpolaris: mid-medulla

  • pars caudalis: from the lower medulla to upper cervical cord, directly continuous with the dorsal horn of the spinal cord

Innervation

The spinal nucleus receives afferent impulses from the ipsilateral face which convey information about pain, temperature and crude touch. The nucleus also receives sensory afferent impulses from other cranial nerves:

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