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Medical Definition of Cuneate nucleus
1. The larger Burdach's nucleus; one of the three nuclei of the posterior column of the spinal cord; located near the dorsal surface of the medulla oblongata at and below the level of the obex, the nucleus receives posterior root fibres corresponding to the sensory innervation of the arm and hand of the same side; together with its medial companion, the gracile nucleus, it is the major source of origin of the medial lemniscus. Synonym: nucleus cuneatus, Burdach's nucleus, nucleus funiculi cuneati, nucleus of cuneate fasciculus. (05 Mar 2000)