parabrachial nuclei

par·a·bra·chi·al nu·cle·i

[TA] the cell groups flanking the brachium conjunctivum at levels immediately caudal to the inferior colliculus; they serve as way stations in the pathways ascending from the nucleus of solitary tract to the thalamus and hypothalamus and receive afferent fibers from the hypothalamus and amygdaloid body. Synonym(s): nuclei parabrachiales [TA]