median raphe nucleus (RPHmn)

The term median raphe nucleus (RPHmn) refers to a narrow layer of predominantly serotonin containing cells: B8 cell group dorsally; B9 cell group ventrally ( Felten-1983 ). Located in the midline of the pontine reticular formation it is bounded laterally by the paramedian raphe nucleus. It is found in the human ( Hornung-2012 ), the macaque ( Paxinos-2009a ), the rat, ( Swanson-2004 ), and the mouse ( Franklin-2008 ). Functionally it is part of the behavioral state system, where it is known as the superior central nucleus raphe, medial part ( Swanson-2004 ).

Also known as: superior central nucleus, Nucleus centralis superior, superior central tegmental nucleus, Nucleus fusiformis raphes, Nucleus superior raphes, superior central nucleus, medial part, median raphe nucleus, median nucleus of the raphe, central superior nucleus of the raphe, medial part, superior central nucleus raphe, medial part, medial part of the superior central nucleus of the raphe

NeuroNames ID: 562

All Names & Sources

Showing 22 synonym(s)

Language
Name
Source
English
central superior nucleus of the raphe, medial part
English
medial part of the superior central nucleus of the raphe
English
median nucleus of the raphe
English
median raphe nucleus
English
superior central nucleus
English
superior central nucleus
English
superior central nucleus raphe, medial part
English
superior central nucleus, medial part
English
superior central tegmental nucleus
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 8 record(s)

Basis
Has Equivalent
Organism
Their Name
Source
Topology
Yes
Nucleus centralis superior
Topology
Yes
Nucleus fusiformis raphes
Topology
Yes
Nucleus superior raphes
Topology
Yes
superior central nucleus
Topology
Yes
superior central tegmental nucleus
Topology
Yes
Nucleus centralis superior
Topology
Yes
superior central nucleus
Topology
Yes
superior central nucleus, medial part
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.