The cell bodies of primary sensory neurons carrying proprioceptive information from the muscles of mastication are located in which structure?

• A Mesencephalic nucleus of the trigeminal nerve ✓
• B Trigeminal (semilunar) ganglion
• C Chief sensory nucleus of the trigeminal nerve
• D Spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve

Explanation

The mesencephalic nucleus is unique: it consists of cell bodies of pseudounipolar primary sensory neurons that lie within the CNS rather than in the trigeminal ganglion. It receives proprioceptive input from masticatory muscles and periodontal ligaments and mediates the afferent limb of the jaw jerk reflex. All other trigeminal modalities, including touch, pain, and temperature, have their primary neuron cell bodies in the semilunar ganglion, which makes option B the strongest distractor.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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