[Development and cell differentiation in the nucleus nervi hypoglossi in cows].

Based upon light- and electron-microscope examinations, the ontogenetic development of the nucleus of cranial nerve XII is documented. At 1-cm crown-rump length (CRL), the caudal pole of the nucleus nervi hypoglossi forms a uniform cell column with the cornu ventrale of the spinal cord. During this period, its caudal area shows signs of cellular degeneration. From 3.5 cm CRL onward, all nuclear groups can be identified. At 53 cm CRL, they correspond to the pattern as described in the adult brain. Electron-optically, at 2.5 cm and 3.6 cm CRL, the nucleus of cranial nerve XII exhibits a close relationship to the matrix layer which consists of elements of dark nuclei. The hypoglossus nucleus is composed of dark and light cell types. It is the latter type that represents the presumptive neuron; it shows an increased ultrastructural differentiation from 2.5 cm CRL onward.