FIGURE H71

BRAINSTEM : LOWER MEDULLA

B8 LEVEL
Fourth ventricle

Foramen of Magendie
Dorsal motor n. (CN X)
Area postrema

Gracilis n.+ t.
Hypoglossal n. (CN XII) Cuneatus n.+ t.
Accessory cuneate n.

Internal arcuate fibres N.+ T. Solitarius

Spinal n.+ t. CN V

N. Ambiguus Medial longitudinal

fasciculus

Reticular formation

Anterolateral system

Medial lemniscus

Inferior olivary n. CN XII

Pyramids

The identifying features of sections though the medulla are the inferior olive (nucleus) and the
pyramids. The medial lemniscus throughout the medulla is situated along the midline, oriented
antero-posteriorly. The fourth ventricle is becoming smaller. The inferior cerebellar peduncle is
not present at this level.

The characteristic nuclei of the lower medulla are the gracile and cuneate nuclei. The internal
arcuate fibres stream forwards and cross to form the medial lemniscus. The hypoglossal
nucleus, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, nucleus and tract solitarius, and spinal tract and
nucleus are all present, as well as the accessory cuneate nucleus.

SEE the diagrammatic brainstem section (Fig. 71) at this level.

7 38 71