|
The spino-cervico-thalamic pathway in the dog was studied by means of the Marchi method. The pathway which takes its origin from the nucleus cervicalis lateralis (NCL) at the first two cervical segments of the spinal cord was demonstrated following restricted lesion in the dorsal quadrant involving the nucleus. The axon of neurons of NCL form a prominent bundle which crosses exclusively to the contralateral ventral funiculus via ventral white commissure. At first, the fiber bundle occupies a medial position and gradually shifts laterally as ascending. In the lower portion of the medulla oblongata the fiber bundle is closely attached to the lateral pole of the inferior olivary nucleus and gives collaterals to it. The pathway maintains its lateral position to the medial lemniscus throughout the brain stem and terminates in the nucleus ventralis posterolateralis of the thalamus occupying mainly its ventrolateral border.
The topographic relation between cervicothalamic and classical spinothalamic pathways are discussed.
Access in Wiley
|