Nucleus laminaris of the torus semicircularis: projection to spinal cord in reptiles.

Neurons in nucleus laminaris of the torus semicircularis were retrogradely labeled following application of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to the cervical spinal cord in two lizards (Gekko gecko and Iguana iguana) and a turtle (Pseudemys scripta). Different patterns of cell labeling were seen among the species studied and may be related to the distinctive differences in head and body movements seen in these animals during defensive, aggressive and social behaviors.