Properties of neurons in the superficial laminae of trigeminal nucleus caudalis.

The trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNc) receives extensive afferent innervation from peripheral sensory neurons of the trigeminal ganglion (TG), and is the first central relay in the circuitry underpinning orofacial pain. Despite the initial characterization of the neurons in the superficial laminae, many questions remain. Here we report on electrophysiological properties of 535 superficial lamina I/II TNc neurons.