The facial nucleus of the rat: representation of facial muscles revealed by retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase.

The representation of facial muscle groups in the facial nucleus of rat was examined by retrograde transport of HRP. Motoneurons supplying muscle groups are arranged in longitudinal columns. Those supplying nasolabial muscles are located in the lateral and ventral intermediate segments, posterior auricular muscles in a medial column, platysma in an intermediate column; the lower lip and ocular muscles are in the ventral and dorsal segments respectively of the intermediate column. The posterior belly of the digastric muscle is supplied by motoneurons extending from the dorsal aspect of the facial nucleus to the caudal pole of the trigeminal motor nucleus.