The nucleus gracilis and nucleus cuneatus, which relay the dorsal column-medial lemniscal pathway, are located in the:
- A Medulla oblongata ✓
- B Pons
- C Midbrain
- D Thalamus
Correct answer: A. Medulla oblongata
Explanation
The nucleus gracilis (lower limb and trunk) and nucleus cuneatus (upper limb) are second-order neurones of the dorsal column pathway located in the caudal medulla oblongata. Axons from these nuclei cross as internal arcuate fibres to form the medial lemniscus, which ascends to the ventral posterolateral (VPL) nucleus of the thalamus (third-order neurone).
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.