Nucleus Gracilis
The Nucleus Gracilis 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 body, particularly from the lower limbs and trunk. This nucleus is part of the somatosensory pathway, which transmits touch, pressure, and proprioceptive information to the brain.
The Nucleus Gracilis receives input from sensory fibers that ascend through the spinal cord, specifically from the dorsal columns. After processing this information, it sends signals to the thalamus, which then relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex for further interpretation.