Inferior olivary nucleus
(Redirected from Complexus olivaris inferior)
The inferior olivary nucleus is a structure located in the medulla oblongata of the brainstem. It is part of the olivary body and plays a crucial role in the motor system by contributing to the coordination of movements. The inferior olivary nucleus is involved in the cerebellar circuitry and is essential for motor learning and timing.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The inferior olivary nucleus is situated in the ventral part of the medulla oblongata, lateral to the pyramids of the medulla oblongata. It is composed of a complex folded structure that forms a distinctive appearance resembling a crumpled bag. The nucleus is divided into three main parts:
- The principal olivary nucleus
- The medial accessory olivary nucleus
- The dorsal accessory olivary nucleus
Function[edit | edit source]
The primary function of the inferior olivary nucleus is to send proprioceptive and sensory information to the cerebellum via the climbing fibers. These fibers project to the Purkinje cells in the cerebellar cortex, which are crucial for the modulation and coordination of motor activities. The inferior olivary nucleus is also involved in the timing and learning of motor skills, contributing to the adaptive control of movements.
Connections[edit | edit source]
The inferior olivary nucleus receives input from various sources, including the spinal cord, red nucleus, and cerebral cortex. It sends its output primarily to the cerebellum through the inferior cerebellar peduncle. This connection is vital for the integration of sensory and motor information, allowing for precise motor control.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Lesions or damage to the inferior olivary nucleus can result in a condition known as olivopontocerebellar atrophy, which is characterized by progressive ataxia and motor dysfunction. Additionally, disruptions in the function of the inferior olivary nucleus can lead to dysmetria, a condition where the ability to control the distance, speed, and power of movements is impaired.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
