The mesencephalic nucleus of the trigeminal nerve is a thin column of unusual sensory neurons in the midbrain and upper pons. It is the only place where primary sensory nerve cell bodies sit inside the brain rather than in a ganglion.
| Location | Along the side of the cerebral aqueduct and upper fourth ventricle, from the midbrain to the pons |
|---|---|
| Parts |
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| Connections |
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| Blood Supply | Posterior cerebral and superior cerebellar artery branches |
Carries position sense from the jaw muscles and teeth and drives the jaw jerk reflex.
The jaw jerk reflex tested in examination depends on this nucleus; a brisk jaw jerk suggests upper motor neuron damage above the pons, as in motor neurone disease.
An exaggerated jaw reflex pointing to bilateral upper motor neuron disease.
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