The medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF) is an area of crossed over tracts, on each side of the brainstem. These bundles of axons are situated near the midline of the brainstem. They are made up of both ascending and descending fibers that arise from a number of sources and terminate in different areas, including the superior colliculus, the vestibular nuclei, and the cerebellum. It contains the interstitial nucleus of Cajal, responsible for oculomotor control, head posture, and vertical eye movement.[1]
| This article needs additional citations for verification. (April 2008) |
Quick Facts Details, Identifiers ...
Close
The medial longitudinal fasciculus is the main central connection for the oculomotor nerve, trochlear nerve, and abducens nerve. It carries information about the direction that the eyes should move. Lesions of the medial longitudinal fasciculus can cause nystagmus and diplopia, which may be associated with multiple sclerosis, a neoplasm, or a stroke.
The medial longitudinal fasciculus is an area of crossed over tracts, on each side of the brainstem.[2] It is medial, and close to the periaqueductal gray matter around the cerebral aqueduct.[3] It is found between the spinal cord (caudally) and the pretectum (cranially).[4] It connects with the superior colliculus, the vestibular nuclei, and the cerebellum.[4] It contains the interstitial nucleus of Cajal.[1] The medial longitudinal fasciculus also contains the rostral interstitial nucleus (riMLF),[3] which is the vertical gaze center.
Descending fibers arise from the superior colliculus in the rostral midbrain (for visual reflexes),[2] the accessory oculomotor nuclei in the rostral midbrain for visual tracking, and the pontine reticular formation, which facilitates extensor muscle tone. Ascending tracts arise from the vestibular nucleus and terminate in the oculomotor nucleus (of the oculomotor nerve, CN III), the trochlear nucleus (of the trochlear nerve, CN IV), and the abducens nucleus (of the abducens nerve, CN VI).[2] These three nuclei lie alongside the medial longitudinal fasciculus.[4]