| Median raphe nucleus | |
|---|---|
 This image shows the location of the raphe nuclei which includes the median raphe nucleus (seen in the bottom of the image near the brainstem) while also providing information about how it is used in the serotonin pathway which has various cognitive functions. | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | nucleus raphes medianus, nucleus centralis superior |
| NeuroNames | 562 |
| NeuroLex ID | birnlex_889 |
| TA98 | A14.1.05.603 |
| TA2 | 5956 |
| FMA | 72465 |
| Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy | |
The median raphe nucleus (MRN), also known as the superior central nucleus, is a nucleus in the brainstem composed of polygonal, fusiform, and piriform neurons, which exists rostral to the pontine raphe nucleus. The median raphe nucleus is one of several raphe nuclei that lies on the brainstem midline. It is one of two nuclei that are situated more superior to the others. The second of these nuclei is the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN).[1] The MRN extends from the lower part of the dorsal raphe nucleus to an approximate position at the decussation of the superior cerebellar peduncle .[2]
The MRN projects extensively to the hippocampus, which is known to be essential for the formation of long-term memory. One study found that this raphe–hippocampus pathway plays a critical role in regulating hippocampal activity and likely associated memory consolidation processes. It has also been found to play a role in anxiety and depression, as one of the few parts of the brain that creates tryptophan hydroxylase.
- ^ Beck, Sheryl G.; Pan, Yu-Zhen; Akanwa, Adaure C.; Kirby, Lynn G. (February 2004). "Median and dorsal raphe neurons are not electrophysiologically identical". Journal of Neurophysiology. 91 (2): 994–1005. doi:10.1152/jn.00744.2003. ISSN 0022-3077. PMC 2830647. PMID 14573555.
- ^ Beliveau, V; Svarer, C; Frokjaer, VG; Knudsen, GM; Greve, DN; Fisher, PM (1 August 2015). "Functional connectivity of the dorsal and median raphe nuclei at rest". NeuroImage. 116: 187–95. doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.04.065. PMID 25963733.