Edinger–Westphal nucleus
One of two nuclei of the oculomotor nerve / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Edinger–Westphal nucleus (accessory oculomotor nucleus,[1] or visceral oculomotor nucleus[2]) is one of two nuclei of the oculomotor nerve and is located in the midbrain.[1][3] It receives afferents from both pretectal nuclei (which have in turn received afferents from the optic tract).[4] It contains parasympathetic pre-ganglionic neuron cell bodies that synapse in the ciliary ganglion.[3][2] It contributes the autonomic, parasympathetic component to the oculomotor nerve (CN III),[4] ultimately providing innervation to the iris sphincter muscle and ciliary muscle to mediate the pupillary light reflex and accommodation, respectively.[2][3]
Edinger–Westphal nucleus | |
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Details | |
Parts | Provides input to parasympathetic root of ciliary ganglion |
Identifiers | |
Latin | nuclei accessorii nervi oculomotorii |
MeSH | D065839 |
NeuroNames | 498 |
NeuroLex ID | birnlex_822 |
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy |
The term "Edinger–Westphal nucleus" also referred to[3] what is now known as the centrally-projecting Edinger–Westphal nucleus,[5] intermingled population of non-preganglionic neurons[3] that do not project to the ciliary ganglion[5] but to various regions throughout the central nervous system.[5][6]