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Medical Definition of Nucleus interstitialis
1. A group of widely spaced, medium-sized neurons in the dorsomedial region of the upper mesencephalic tegmentum, immediately lateral to the nucleus of Darkschewitsch; together with the latter, the interstitial nucleus is closely associated with the medial longitudinal fasciculus, via which it receives fibres from the vestibular nuclei and projects crossed fibres via the posterior commissure to the oculomotor nucleus; also projects fibres to all spinal levels. It is believed to be involved in the integration of head and eye movements, particularly eye movements of a vertical or oblique nature. Synonym: nucleus interstitialis, interstitial nucleus of Cajal. (05 Mar 2000)