X CLOSE

Serial transverse sections of the brain stem

Medulla oblongata.

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Image #29-3
Bassett Image
Diagram Image
Legend Image
Serial transverse sections of the brain stem
Medulla oblongata.
The nucleus gracilis (11) and nucleus cuneatus (2) are of large size at this level, 3.5 mm. above the last section. Internal arcuate fibers from these nuclei pass through the reticular formation (3) to cross the midline and enter the opposite medial lemniscus (14). Only a faint indication of these arcuate fibers is visible in the view due to technical limitations of the method in areas of mixed fibers and cells.
  1. Tonsil (ventral paraflocculus)
  2. Cuneate nucleus
  3. Internal arcuate fibers passing through reticular gray matter
  4. Pyramid (medulla oblongata)
  5. Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX) and vagus (X) (detached slightly from brain stem)
  6. Flocculus
  7. Quadrangular lobule
  8. Fusiform gyrus
  9. Uncus (hippocampal gyrus)
  10. Vallecula cerebelli
  11. Gracile nucleus and central gray matter
  12. Spinal trigeminal nucleus
  13. Dorsal spinocerebellar tract
  14. Medial lemniscus
  15. Olive
  16. Hypoglossal nerve (XII)
  17. Choroid plexus fourth ventricle (protruding from lateral recess)
  18. Vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII)
  19. Facial nerve (VII)
  20. Trigeminal nerve (V)
  21. Pons
  22. Infundibular recess third ventricle