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Mammillothalamic tract

FieldValue
NameMammillothalamic tract
Latintractus mammillothalamicus

The mammillothalamic tract (MMT) (also mammillary fasciculus, mammillothalamic fasciculus, thalamomammillary fasciculus, bundle of Vicq d'Azyr) is an efferent pathway of the mammillary bodies which project to the anterior nuclei of the thalamus. The mammillothalamic tract is part of the Papez circuit (involved in spatial memory), starting and finishing in the hippocampus. The fibers of the MMT are heavily myelinated.

It arises from the medial and lateral nuclei of the mammillary bodies, and from fibers that are directly continued from the fornix of the hippocampus. It connects the mammillary bodies to the dorsal tegmental nuclei, the ventral tegmental nuclei, and the anterior thalamic nuclei.

Structure

Axons divide within the gray matter; the thicker fibres form the MTT while the finer branches descend as the mammillotegmental fasciculus.

Function

The mammillary bodies directly or indirectly connect to the amygdala, hippocampus, and thalami as major structures in the limbic system. The mammillothalamic tract carries signals from the mammillary bodies via the anterior thalamus to support spatial memory.

Clinical significance

Infarction of the region including the mammillothalamic tract has been associated with acute Korsakoff syndrome.

History

The mammillothalamic tract was first described by the French physician, Félix Vicq d'Azyr, from whom it takes its alternate name (bundle of Vicq d'Azyr).

References

References

  1. Shah, A., Jhawar, S. S., & Goel, A. (2012). Analysis of the anatomy of the Papez circuit and adjoining limbic system by fiber dissection techniques. [Article]. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 19(2), 289-298. {{doi. 10.1016/j.jocn.2011.04.039.
  2. (2016). "A Textbook of Neuroanatomy". Wiley-Blackwell.
  3. (2015). "How do mammillary body inputs contribute to anterior thalamic function?". Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews.
  4. (2010). "Hippocampal–anterior thalamic pathways for memory: Uncovering a network of direct and indirect actions". European Journal of Neuroscience.
  5. Haines DE. (2003). "Neuroanatomy: Atlas of Structures, Sections, and Systems, 6th ed (page 148)". Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  6. (2004). "Acute Korsakoff syndrome following mammillothalamic tract infarction". AJNR Am J Neuroradiol.
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