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The Amniote Oculomotor Complex
Author(s) -
Company Verónica,
MorenoBravo Juan Antonio,
PerezBalaguer Ariadna,
Puelles Eduardo
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
the anatomical record
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.678
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1932-8494
pISSN - 1932-8486
DOI - 10.1002/ar.23827
Subject(s) - neuroscience , pathfinding , biology , axon guidance , anatomy , oculomotor nucleus , axon , computer science , central nervous system , midbrain , graph , theoretical computer science , shortest path problem
The oculomotor (OM) complex is a combination of somatic and parasympatethic neurons. The correct development and wiring of this cranial pair is essential to perform basic functions: eyeball and eyelid movements, pupillary constriction, and lens accommodation. The improper formation or function of this nucleus leads pathologies such as strabismus. We describe the OM organization and function in different vertebrate brains, including chick, mouse, and human. The morphological localization is detailed, as well as the spatial relation with the trochlear nucleus in order to adjust some misleading anatomical topographic descriptions. We detailed the signaling processes needed for the specification of the OM neurons. The transcriptional programs driven the specification and differentiation of these neurons are partially determined. We summarized recent genetic studies that have led to the identification of guidance mechanisms involved in the migration, axon pathfinding, and targeting of the OM neurons. Finally, we overviewed the pathology associated to genetic malformations in the OM development and related clinical alterations. Anat Rec, 302:446–451, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.