A study of neuronal profile of inferior olivary nuclear complex in foetal and adult human medulla.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: ION receives proprioceptive impulses from spino-olivary tract and conveys the fibers to the cerebellum through olivo-cerebellar tract. There is paucity of data in human olivary complex, hence the present study is done. Materials and Methods: Study was conducted with 15 adult brains and 25 fetuses of different gestations were perfused with 10% formalin and processed for histological examination. Obeservations Rounded cells have been seen infiltrating the entire field. at 16 weeks of gestation. Segregation of neurons into principal, medial, and dorsal accessory olivary nuclei at 20 wks gestation. Discussion: Neuron differentiation into oval, round, multipolar types has begun at 40 wks gestation. Neurons in the olivary subdivisions are grouped in separate clusters as per Ramon y Cajal,1909; Scheibel and Scheibel, 1955, Bowman and King, 1973. Multipolar neurons dominated in adult inferior olivary nucleus. Conclusion: The greater development of neurons is a consequence of finer regulation of various movements of hands and finger associated with movement of head and eyes.