Facial colliculus

The facial colliculus is an elevated area located in the pontine tegmentum, within the floor of the fourth ventricle. It is formed by fibres from the facial motor nucleus looping over the abducens nucleus. The facial colliculus is an essential landmark of the rhomboid fossa.

Anatomy

The facial colliculus occurs within the rhomboid fossa where it is placed lateral to its median sulcus.

Structure

The facial colliculus is formed by brachial motor nerve fibres of the facial nerve looping over the abducens nucleus, forming a bump upon the surface.

Clinical significance

A facial colliculus lesion would result in ipsilateral facial paralysis and inhibited ipsilateral and unopposed contralateral eye deviation.

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