Final answer:
The oculomotor system comprises the oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens nuclei, connected by the medial longitudinal fasciculus for conjugate gaze, with the superior colliculus and paramedian pontine reticular formation initiating eye movements, and the vestibular system's semicircular canals contributing to balance through the VOR.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fundamental subgroups of the oculomotor extraocular movement (EM) system include the oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens nuclei. These nuclei are connected by the medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF), which facilitates conjugate gaze (movement of the eyes in the same direction). Specifically, for the control of conjugate gaze in the vertical direction, the oculomotor complex is crucial. Additionally, the superior colliculus and the paramedian pontine reticular formation (PPRF) play roles in integrating visual stimuli with motor responses to initiate eye movements. The vestibular system, particularly the semicircular canals, also influences eye movement through the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), which helps maintain balance by coordinating eye movement opposite the direction of head movement.
The fundamental subgroups of the oculomotor extraocular muscle (EM) system include:
Midbrain areas such as the superior colliculus and paramedian pontine reticular formation (PPRF), which initiate and coordinate eye movements.
The medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF), which connects the midbrain areas to the oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens nuclei in the brainstem.
The oculomotor complex, which controls conjugate gaze in the vertical direction and is responsible for elevating or depressing the eyes.