Ventral posteromedial nucleus

Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on

Synonyms: VPM

The ventral posteromedial nucleus (VPM) is an important somatosensory nucleus in the thalamus.

Anatomy

The ventral posteromedial nucleus receives afferent somatotopically arranged fibers from the trigeminal lemniscus[^2]. The efferents travel along with those of the ventral posterolateral nucleus in the thalamic radiation and the posterior limb of the internal capsule to the somatosensory cortex in the region of the postcentral gyrus.

Illustration

Thalamus
Schematic representation of the different core areas of the thalamus. Image adapted from Wikimedia Commons (creator Madhero88).

Clinical Relevance

The ventral posteromedial nucleus is used as a target in DBS operations[^1].