Cranial Nerve Nuclei

The nuclei of the cranial nerves (n. nervorum cranialium, pna; n. nervorum cerebralium, bna; n. nervorum capitalium. jna; synonym cranial nerves) are groups of nerve cells located in the brain stem and giving rise to cranial nerves . These nerve cells form the nuclei of the cranial nerves. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves in total; therefore, there are 12 pairs of cranial nerve nuclei.

The nuclei of the cranial nerves are located in the brain stem - the medulla oblongata, pons and midbrain. They innervate the muscles of the head, face, sensory organs, as well as the internal organs of the head and neck. These nuclei are connected to the cerebral cortex via pathways.

There are somatic nuclei of the cranial nerves, innervating skeletal muscles, and visceral (autonomous) nuclei, innervating smooth muscles and glands.

Thus, the nuclei of the cranial nerves are important formations of the brain, providing innervation to the head, face, sensory organs and internal organs of the head and neck.

Nuclei of the cranial nerves Nuclei of the cranial (cranial) nerves in the cerebrospinal fluid (vessels of the ventricular system), as well as in the abducens system covering it: some nuclei are isolated and have their own fiber, others are composed of the nuclei of several cranial nerves (alternating position of the nuclei), others - none.