cuneiform nucleus (CNN)

The term cuneiform nucleus (CNN) refers to one of two parts of the midbrain reticular formation (MBRF) identified by histology in the human ( Carpenter-1983 ), macaque ( Oertel-1969 ), rat ( ( Swanson-2004 ) and mouse ( Hof-2000 ). Some authors name subparts of CNN. The descriptions of subparts are inconsistent and are indexed as synonyms of CNN.( NeuroNames ). The other part of the MBRF is the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN). The CNN is located adjacent to and reciprocally connected with the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray (PAGdl). Functionally, it is part of brainstem motor system (SMS) ( Swanson-2004 ) and the instinctive control system (INST) ( Bowden-2021 ) for defense, which generate innate freezing and flight responses to predatory stimuli ( Bindi-2023 ). Updated 6 Nov 2025.

Also known as: cuneiform nucleus, Nucleus cuneiformis, parabigeminal area (Mai), Area parabigeminalis (Mai), cuneiform nucleus (Castaldi)

NeuroNames ID: 502

All Names & Sources

Showing 15 synonym(s)

Language
Name
Source
English
cuneiform nucleus
English
cuneiform nucleus
English
cuneiform nucleus
English
cuneiform nucleus (Castaldi)
English
parabigeminal area (Mai)
Species With The Structure
Equivalent By Human Macaque Rat Mouse
Topology Has The Structure Has The Structure Has The Structure Relevant Data Not Located

Showing 7 record(s)

Basis
Has Equivalent
Organism
Their Name
Source
Topology
Yes
Area parabigeminalis (Mai)
Topology
Yes
cuneiform nucleus
Topology
Yes
parabigeminal area (Mai)
Topology
Yes
Nucleus cuneiformis
Topology
Yes
cuneiform nucleus
Topology
Yes
cuneiform nucleus (Castaldi)
Models Where It Appears
Structural CNS Model - Macaque

Brain structures of the macaque are illustrated in BrainInfo’s NeuroMaps macaque brain atlas. Structures are grouped by proximity in a hierarchy corresponding to the central nervous system hierarchy of NeuroNames ( Bowden-1995 Martin-2000 ). Structures in the NeuroMaps atlas are based on the segmentation of an MRI of the brain of a 3-year old male rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta). The atlas is most useful for targeting structures for implantating electrodes and chemtrodes. Updated 29 Oct 2025.

Functional CNS Model - Rat

The Functional CNS Model - Rat (FMrat) ( Swanson-2004) is one of three hierarchical models representing the internal organization of the central nervous system (CNS). The others are the Structural CNS Model - Human (SThmn) and the Functional CNS Model - Human (FMhmn). The FMrat model represents the basic organization of the mouse ( Hof-2000 AMBA-2024 ) and, presumably, other rodents. Functional CNS models differ from structural models in that structures are defined and named by connectivity rather than by proximity to other structures at the same level. Functional models are more useful for representing longitudinal components of are grouped based on information drawn from multiple neuroscientific disciplines. such as connections, neurochemical characteristics, and role in physiogical and behavioral processes. While the Functional Model was developed primarily for an atlas of the rat brain ( Swanson-2004 ), the hierarchical organization of structures is for the most part applicable to the human, macaque, mouse and other mammalian brains as well. Structures at lower levels of the Functional CNS hierarchy are largely the same as in the Classical and Developmental Models, i.e., they were originally identified by stains for gray matter (Nissl substance) and white matter (myelin). At the next higher level they are grouped into basic connectional and functional systems of the CNS, such as the subcortical sensory systems, the brainstem motor system and the behavioral state system. At the highest levels CNS structures are grouped on the basis of dissection and embryologic precursors into cerebrum ( cerebral cortex and cerebral nuclei ), cerebellum, and cerebrospinal trunk.