Abbreviation

BM

Species

Rat

Description of part

In both the cat (figs. 2-4) and the rat (figs. 8- 10), the basomedial nucleus is composed of small to medium-sized cells which are readily distinguished from those of the basolateral nucleus on the basis of their smaller size and lighter staining. The nucleus commences rostrally immediately caudal to the anterior cortical nucleus. It is present in the posterior two-thirds of the amygdaloid complex and throughout the greater part of its extent it maintains relationships with the basolateral nucleus, dorsally, and the periamygdaloid cortex, ventrally. Near its caudal pole, the basomedial nucleus becomes continuous with a slightly more densely-packed and darkly staining mass of cells which lies between the basolateral nucleus and the posterior cortical nucleus. The identity of these cells is uncertain; they may represent a posterior part of the basomedial nucleus, or they may comprise a deep layer of the posterior cortical nucleus as this structure has been reported to be laminated in certain species (e.g., Scalia and Winans, 1975). In the rat, the basomedial nucleus appears to correspond with the "basal" nucleus described by Gurdjian ('28) and also with the medial, small-celled part of the basal nucleus delimited by Brodal ('47).

Part type

gray matter

Nomenclature

Krettek & Price

Endorsement

The approach used by the collator Mihail Bota is not endorsed by the author of the nomenclature.

Reference

Basomedial amygdaloid nucleus - Rat - de Olmos -1985