gigantocellular nucleus

This nucleus is also involved in expiration with a part of the gigantocellular nucleus.

The gigantocellular nucleus, as the name indicates, is mainly composed of the so-called giant neuronal cells.

The gigantocellular nucleus excites the hypoglossal nucleus, and can play a role in the actions of the said nerve.

The paramedian nucleus also projects to the contralateral PRN, the gigantocellular nucleus, and the nucleus ambiguous.

The nucleus reticularis pontis caudalis is rostral to the gigantocellular nucleus and is located in the caudal pons, as the name would indicate.

The fibers of this tract arise from the medullary reticular formation, mostly from the gigantocellular nucleus, and descend the length of the spinal cord in the anterior part of the lateral column.

The neurons in the dorsal half of this nucleus fire rhythmically during mastication, and in an anesthetized animal it is possible to induce mastication via electrical stimulation of the nucleus reticularis pontis caudalis or adjacent areas of the gigantocellular nucleus.