Topographical organization of the motoneuron pools that innervate the muscles of the pinna of the cat

The topographical organization of the 22 motoneuron pools that innervate the pinna muscles of the cat was examined by injecting the B-subunit of cholera toxin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase into individual muscles. All 22 pools are found in the facial nucleus, organized as rostro-caudally oriented columns, and arranged according to the action of the muscles they innervate. Pools innervating muscles that pull the pinna dorsally are located in the dorsal two thirds of the medio-dorsal subdivision, and those innervating muscles that pull the pinna ventrally are located in the ventral one half of the nucleus. Motoneurons innervating muscles that pull the pinna cranially are located laterally, those that pull the pinna caudally are located medio-ventrally, and those that change the shape of the pinna are located along the entire dorso-ventral extent in the center of the medio-dorsal subdivision. This topographical layout is consistent with the somatotopic organization of the entire facial nucleus as demonstrated in a variety of species.