nucleus solitarius

Introduction

The nucleus solitarius is shared by CN 7, CN 9, CN 10.

• paired nuclei located in the posterior mid-rostral medulla lateral to the inferior salivary nucleus & the dorsal motor nucleus of vagus
• visceral sensory
• nerve fibers synapsing in the nucleus solitarius innervate:
  • anterior 2/3 of tongue (CN 7)
  • posterior 1/3 of tongue - taste (CN 9)
  • carotid body (CN 9)
  • carotid sinus (CN 9)
  • epiglottis - taste (CN 10)
  • pharynx (CN 10)
  • larynx (CN 10)
  • trachea (CN 10)
  • esophagus (CN 10)
  • thoracic & abdominal viscera (CN 10)

More general terms

• cranial nerve nucleus

Additional terms

• facial nerve (CN VII)
• glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
• vagus nerve (CN X)