Critical Reviews in Oral Biology & Medicine, Vol 4, 1-52, Copyright © 1992 by International & American Associations for Dental Research
Central connections of trigeminal primary afferent neurons: topographical and functional considerations
N. F. Capra and D. Dessem
Department of Physiology, University of Maryland, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery 21201.
This article reviews literature relating to the central projection of
primary afferent neurons of the trigeminal nerve. After a brief description
of the major nuclei associated with the trigeminal nerve, the presentation
reviews several early issues related to theories of trigeminal organization
including modality and somatotopic representation. Recent studies directed
toward further definition of central projection patterns of single nerve
branches or nerves supplying specific oral and facial tissues are
considered together with data from intraaxonal and intracellular studies
that define the projection patterns of single fibers. A presentation of
recent immunocytochemical data related to primary afferent fibers is
described. Finally, several insights that recent studies shed on early
theories of trigeminal input are assessed.
