Dictionary of Biological Psychology
The nucleus raphe magnus is a raphe nucleus located in the ventral tegmentum of the caudal PONS and rostral MEDULLA. Like other RAPHE NUCLEI, the nucleus raphe magnus contains SEROTONIN neurons, and these are part of the B3 serotonin cell group (see CLASSIFICATION OF DAHLSTRÖM AND FUXE).
A small percentage of these neurons also contain GABA. Serotonin neurons in the nucleus raphe magnus project, via the dorsolateral fasciculus, to the superficial layers (laminae one and two) of the DORSAL HORN of the SPINAL CORD. This pathway is involved in antinociception or suppression of PAIN, and mediates the supraspinal antinociceptive actions of MORPHINE and certain ENDOGENOUS OPIATES or opioids.
KAZUE SEMBA
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