Ventral posterior lateral nucleus

Ventral posterior lateral nucleus (VPL) is a nucleus in the thalamus. It is a part of the ventral posterior nucleus along with the ventral posterior medial nucleus (VPM). The VPL receives most of its major afferent fibers from the medial lemniscus and the spinothalamic tract. It is involved in the sensory pathway for touch and proprioception of the body.

Anatomy

The ventral posterior lateral nucleus is located in the thalamus, which is a large mass of gray matter located in the dorsal part of the diencephalon. The thalamus is involved in several functions of the body including sensory perception, regulation of motor functions, and the sleep and wake cycle.

The VPL is a part of the ventral posterior nucleus, which also includes the ventral posterior medial nucleus (VPM). The VPL and VPM are separated by the internal medullary lamina, a thin layer of white matter.

Function

The VPL is involved in the sensory pathway for touch and proprioception of the body. It receives most of its major afferent fibers from the medial lemniscus and the spinothalamic tract. The medial lemniscus carries information about vibration, fine touch, and proprioception from the body to the thalamus. The spinothalamic tract carries information about pain and temperature from the body to the thalamus.

The VPL sends efferent fibers to the primary somatosensory cortex, which is involved in processing somatic sensations.

Clinical significance

Damage to the VPL can result in loss of sensation in the contralateral side of the body. This can include loss of proprioception, vibration sense, and fine touch. It can also result in thalamic pain syndrome, a condition characterized by severe, chronic pain.

See also

• Thalamus
• Ventral posterior nucleus
• Ventral posterior medial nucleus
• Medial lemniscus
• Spinothalamic tract
• Primary somatosensory cortex

References

Ventral posterior lateral nucleus Resources
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