Final answer:
The cell bodies for preganglionic parasympathetic neurons targeting the parotid gland are located in nuclei in the brainstem.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cell bodies for preganglionic parasympathetic neurons that innervate the parotid gland are found in nuclei in the brainstem. The parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the craniosacral system, includes preganglionic neurons that are located in the brain stem and lateral horn of the sacral spinal cord.
Specifically, the neurons that innervate the parotid gland are from the brain-stem nuclei and they project to terminal ganglia near or within the organ which they target. These preganglionic fibers release acetylcholine (ACh) onto nicotinic receptors to excite the ganglionic neurons. Subsequently, postganglionic fibers release ACh onto muscarinic receptors within the target tissues to stimulate parasympathetic 'rest-and-digest' responses.
These neurons belong to the parasympathetic system and project to terminal ganglia to regulate the gland's function.