ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND SURGICAL CONSIDERATIONS OF THE SPINAL TRACT OF THE TRIGEMINAL NERVE

Abstract

Following interruption of the spinal tract of the trigeminal nerve in man, either by thrombosis of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery or surgery, the appreciation of pin prick, heat and cold is last over the ipsilateral side of the face, and the corneal reflex is abolished. Touch is only very slightly impaired. A study of clinical cases suggests that these modalities are isolated to some degree in the tract, and that there is a topical arrangement in the tract, the fibers from the first division lying ventrally and those from the mandibulo-maxillary parts dorsally in the spinal tract of the 5th nerve.