Spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve

The spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve is one of three major nuclei that make up the trigeminal sensory nerve nuclear complex along with the main sensory nucleus and the mesencephalic nucleus .

Gross anatomy

The spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve is a paired structure and is an inferior continuation of the main sensory nucleus of the trigeminal nerve within the caudal lower pons. It extends inferiorly through the medulla to the level of the upper cervical cord (approximately C2 to C3 levels) where it becomes continuous with the dorsal horn of the spinal cord.  The spinal nucleus lies ventral to the vestibular and cochlear nuclei and medial to the inferior cerebellar peduncles.

Innervation

The spinal nucleus receives afferent impulses from the unilateral face which convey information about pain, temperature and crude touch. The nucleus also receives sensory afferent impulses from other cranial nerves:

• facial nerve from the external auditory canal
• glossopharyngeal nerve from the pharynx, soft palate, tympanic membrane and posterior cranial fossa dura
• vagus nerve from the larynx, meninges, external auditory canal and the external ear