Neuroanatomical organization of the anuran mesencephalon and brainstem pathways related to oculomotor function

Neuroanatomical Organization of the Anuran Mesencephalon and Brainstem Pathways Related to Oculomotor Function May 1984 Neil M. Montgomery, B.A., University of Massachusetts M.S., University of Massachusetts Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Directed by: Dr. Katherine V. Fite The neuroanatomical organization of the anuran oculomotor system was investigated using the Golgi and horseradish peroxidase techniques. Pathways were found to reach the oculomotor nuclei from the visual, vestibular and somatosensory systems. These sensory afferents form layers of terminals within the oculomotor central gray and neuropil, and similar patterns of lamination were found in both the mesencephalic and lower brainstem somato-motor areas. The cytology and dendritic architecture of the cells within the somato-motor portion of the brainstem were examined and cells with similar morphology and connectivity were found surrounding all three oculomotor nuclei. In comparing anurans with mammals, the anatomical organization of the oculomotor nuclei was found to be remarkably similar. A fundamental difference in the