Abbreviation

PBc

Species

Rat

Description of part

The central lateral nucleus is the largest subnucleus of PBl. It is composed of a relatively sparse population of neurons which occupy the majority of the area dorsal to the SCP in the rostral two-thirds of PB (see Fig. 1A,B). The perikarya have a mean average diameter of 12.2 &plusmn 0.2 micrometers (see Fig. 5), and are ovoid to fusiform in shape, with an indistinct nucleolus and cytoplasm which stains with a finely granular pattern, but less darkly than cells in the other subnuclei in PBl. The centrai lateral nucleus extends farther rostrally than any other in PB. At the rostral level at which many fibers of the SCP turn medially to decussate, central lateral cells can be seen mediodorsally, ventrolateral to the centra1 gray matter. More caudally, where the SCP is found more laterally, the central lateral cell group also extends laterally to span the medial-lateral extent of PBI. The caudal limit of the central lateral subnucleus is the point at which the lateral enlargement of the SCP comes into contact with the dorsal edge of the pons. In the caudal portions of the nucleus, the morphology of its cells becomes increasingly fusiform and the packing density greater, as if the SCP were compressing them against the dorsal surface of the pons as it approaches the cerebellum.

Part type

gray matter

Nomenclature

Moga-Fulwiler-Saper

Endorsement

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

Reference