(LDTg) A nucleus embedded in the central grey, perhaps in some ways best considered as a caudal extension of the PEDUNCULOPONTINE TEGMENTAL NUCLEUS. It is best known as the site of the Ch6 CHOLINERGIC neurons (see CHI-CH8) which, with the Ch5 neurons of the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus, provide the largest cholinergic input to the THALAMUS.
Together, the Ch5 and Ch6 neurons, constitute the CAUDAL CHOLINERGIC COLUMN, an uninterrupted column of cholinergic neurons stretching from the LOCUS COERULEUS at the most posterior levels to the caudal pole of the SUBSTANTIA NIGRA. These neurons are thought to form part of the ASCENDING RETICULAR ACTIVATING SYSTEM and to have a role in SLEEP. The difficulty in dealing with laterodorsal tegmental nucleus technically has limited the growth of knowledge about its function. There are no agents with which to make a selective LESION of central cholinergic neurons, and the position of the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus in the central grey adjacent to the CEREBRAL AQUEDUCT makes it very difficult to approach surgically.
This is the complete article, containing 170 words
(approx. 1 page at 300 words per page).
