Gracile Nucleus
The Gracile Nucleus is a cluster of nerve cells located in the brainstem, specifically in the medulla oblongata. It plays a crucial role in processing sensory information from the lower body, particularly touch and proprioception. The nucleus receives input from the dorsal columns of the spinal cord, which carry signals related to body position and fine touch.
This nucleus is part of the dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway, which transmits sensory information to the brain. After processing, the Gracile Nucleus sends signals to the thalamus, where further integration occurs before the information reaches the sensory cortex for perception.