Edinger-Westphal Nucleus
The Edinger–Westphal nucleus is the accessory parasympathetic cranial nerve nucleus of the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III), supplying the constricting muscles of the iris.
Alternatively, the Edinger–Westphal nucleus is a term often used to refer to the adjacent population of non-preganglionic neurons that do not project to the ciliary ganglion, but rather project to the spinal cord, dorsal raphe nucleus, and lateral septal nuclei.
Unlike the classical preganglionic Edinger–Westphal neurons that contain choline acetyltransferase, neurons of the non-preganglionic Edinger–Westphal nucleus contain various neuropeptides, such as Urocortin and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript.
Previously, it had been proposed to rename this group of non-preganglionic, neuropeptide-containing neurons to perioculomotor subgriseal neuronal stream, abbreviated pIIISG.
However, more recently, a final nomenclature has been determined. Preganglionic oculomotor neurons within the Edinger–Westphal nucleus shall be referred to as the EWpg, and the neuropeptide-containing neurons shall be known as the centrally-projecting Edinger Westphal nucleus, or EWcp.
Read more about Edinger-Westphal Nucleus: Location, Function, Eponym, Additional Images
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