Bechterev's Nucleus
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Bechterev's nucleus is part of the vestibular system, located at the floor of the fourth ventricle in the lower half of the pons varolii. It receives ascending branches from the vestibular nerve and gives rise to the vestibulospinal tract, connecting with the cerebellum and playing a role in maintaining balance.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
BECHTEREV'S NUCLEUS (nucl. angularis), belongs to the vestibular system, is located along the floor of the fourth ventricle, in the lower half of the pons varolii, at its outer angle, medial to the superior cerebellar peduncles. In it end the ascending branches of ram. vestibularis n. VIII and originates fasc. vestibulo-spinalis. B. n. is connected with the cerebellum (vermis et nucl. fastigii) and plays a role in maintaining equilibrium (nervus vestibularis),
BETZ CELLS (giant cells), named after the Russian scientist who described them in 1874, Professor of Kiev Betz; are located in the 5th layer of the cerebral cortex, in lobul. paracentralis and gyr. centralis anterior (area 4, according to Brodmann and Economo); in the latter gyrus their number decreases in the downward direction. Their dimensions reach 150 μ. By function B. c. are motor; from them originates the pyramidal, or motor tract.
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“Bechterev's Nucleus.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/bechterev-nucleus/