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The generator of migraine headache is thought to be the:

A. Reticular activating system
B. Trigeminal nucleus caudalis
C. Dural and intracerebral blood vessels
D. Suprachiasmatic nucleus
E. Contraction of scalp and cranial muscles

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Final answer:

The trigeminal nucleus caudalis is thought to be the generator of migraine headaches. It processes pain and temperature sensations, and its activation is linked with the dilation of blood vessels in the head, contributing to the sensation of migraine pain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The generator of a migraine headache is thought to be the B. Trigeminal nucleus caudalis. Migraine pain is believed to be due to dilation of blood vessels in the head, often triggered by various factors. The trigeminal system, which is important for somatosensation of the face, consists of three primary nuclei: the mesencephalic nucleus, the chief nucleus, and the spinal trigeminal nucleus.

Each nucleus plays a role in processing different types of sensory information. The mesencephalic nucleus deals with proprioceptive info, the chief nucleus receives light touch and proprioceptive signals, and the spinal trigeminal nucleus processes information about crude touch, pain, and temperature. This latter nucleus is especially relevant because it conveys pain sensation which is a crucial component of the migraine pathology.

The trigeminal nucleus caudalis is implicated in migraine headaches due to its role in conveying pain and possibly due to its connections with the blood vessels of the dura mater. Its location in the brainstem and its involvement in pain transmission make it a key focus for understanding the mechanism behind migraine headaches.

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