Projections in the dorsal column nuclei of femoral and obturator nerves in the rat

ABSTRACT

The central projection of primary afferent fibres of the femoral and obturator nerves to the dorsal column nuclei were studied in the albino rat. Horseradish Peroxidase [HRP] labelled terminations were observed through most of the caudorostral extent of the ipsilateral gracile nucleus. This formed an oblique band whose long axis was directed in a drosolateral and ventromedial direction in case of femoral nerve while in case of obturator nerve, the terminations occupied a central area in gracile nucleus. No labeling was observed in cuneate or external cuneate nuclei