Oculomotor Nerve Nucleus

Nucleus of the oculomotor nerve: anatomy and functions

The oculomotor nucleus, also known as the III nerve, is one of 12 head nerves responsible for eye movement and control of some facial muscles. This nerve is present in both humans and many animals.

Anatomy

The nucleus of the oculomotor nerve is located in the brain stem, in the cerebellar sulcus, next to the nucleus of the vagus nerve. It consists of several cores, each of which is responsible for specific functions.

One of the nuclei of this nerve, called the motor nucleus, controls the muscles responsible for eye movement, such as the rectus, vertical and oblique muscles. Another nucleus, called the parasympathetic nucleus, is responsible for the innervation of the sphincter of the pupil and the accommodation of the eye.

Functions

The oculomotor nerve nucleus plays an important role in controlling eye movement and focusing of vision. It innervates the muscles that allow us to move our eyes in different directions and focus our vision on different objects.

In addition, the parasympathetic nucleus of this nerve controls the size of the pupil and the shape of the lens of the eye, which allows us to see objects at different distances.

Therefore, damage to the oculomotor nerve nucleus can lead to various vision problems, such as double vision, inability to look in a certain direction, or difficulty focusing.

Conclusion

The oculomotor nerve nucleus is an important component of the nervous system that controls eye movement and visual focusing. Damage to it can cause serious vision problems and require medical attention. Therefore, diseases associated with this nerve must be diagnosed and treated on time to avoid possible complications.

The nucleus of the oculomotor (III pair) nerve is a complex of formations in the medulla oblongata. The centers of the I, II and III pairs of cranial nerves are located in the nuclei of the cranial nerves (in the brain stem), the nuclei of the V–XII pairs of cranial nerves are located in the spinal cord. The nuclei of I–V pairs are located in the trunk of the GM, VI–X pairs belong to the VBN, XI and XII pairs are the nuclei of the hypoglossal nerve.

The nuclei of the VMN form the middle part of the medullary region of the lateral part of the medulla oblongata. They divide the medullary region into the lateral lateral anterior region and the lateral region, and are adjacent to the nuclear roots of the nerves emerging through the lateral jugular canal. Surrounded on the left and right by the fibrous membranes of the autonomic nerve ganglia. At the lower pole of each of them there is a papilla (neurovascular junction from the common brain to the third pair of cranial nerves and forms a reticular bundle of the GMN. It connects the lateral part to the posterior median fissure of the spinal cord.