Question

What are the functions of these nuclei of the Vagus nerve (CN X):

1) Nucleus ambiguous.
2) Dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus.
3) Nucleus Solitarius (Rostral).
4) Nucleus Solitarius (caudal).
5) Spinal Nucleus of V".

Answer 1

The functions of the nuclei of the vagus nerve (CN X) include contributing to parasympathetic output, targeting muscles for swallowing and speech, decreasing heart rate, relaxing bronchial tubes, activating digestive function, receiving sensory input about blood pressure and cardiac function, and relaying taste sensation information.

Step-by-step explanation:

The functions of the nuclei of the vagus nerve (CN X) are as follows:

1. Nucleus ambiguous: This nucleus contributes to the parasympathetic output of the vagus nerve and targets muscles in the pharynx and larynx for swallowing and speech, as well as contributing to the parasympathetic tone of the heart along with the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus.
2. Dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus: This nucleus is the motor nucleus for the parasympathetic functions of the vagus nerve, including decreasing the heart rate, relaxing bronchial tubes in the lungs, and activating digestive function through the enteric nervous system.
3. Nucleus Solitarius (Rostral): This nucleus receives sensory input about blood pressure and cardiac function from the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves, and its output will activate sympathetic stimulation of the heart or blood vessels through the upper thoracic lateral horn.
4. Nucleus Solitarius (caudal): This nucleus, like the rostral nucleus solitarius, receives sensory input about blood pressure and cardiac function and its output will activate sympathetic stimulation of the heart or blood vessels through the upper thoracic lateral horn.
5. Spinal Nucleus of V: This nucleus is involved in the sensation of taste and relays taste sensation information to the brain stem.