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trigeminal lemniscus

Collective term denoting the fibres ascending from the sensory nucleus of the trigeminus; one such fibre system originates from the main sensory nucleus, largely decussates, and ascends as the ventral trigeminal lemniscus to join the medial lemniscus with which it enters the ventral posterior nucleus of thalamus, terminating in the mediodorsal region of that nucleus; a second, uncrossed, fibre group follows an ascending course through central parts of the mesencephalic tegmentum (dorsal trigeminal lemniscus). The trigeminal lemniscus conveys tactile, pain, and temperature impulses from the skin of the face, the mucous membranes of the nasal and oral cavities, and the eye, as well as proprioceptive information from the facial and masticatory muscles.

Synonym: lemniscus trigeminalis.