NeuroNames hier-761 TA A14.1.04.255 | Dorlands
/Elsevier n_11/12583286 FMA 72601 | |
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Latin nucleus salivatorius inferior NeuroLex ID Inferior salivatory nucleus | ||
The inferior salivatory nucleus is a cluster of neurons in the dorsal part of pons, just above its junction with the medulla. It is the General visceral efferent (GVE) component of the glossopharyngeal nerve supplying the parasympathetic input to the parotid gland for salivation.
Contents
Structure
It is a small collection of nerve cells in the dorsal part of pons, just above its junction with the medulla. It lies immediately caudal to the superior salivatory nucleus and just above the upper end of the dorsal nucleus of the vagus nerve
The preganglionic parasympathetic fibres originate in the inferior salivatory nucleus of the glossopharyngeal nerve. They leave the glossopharngeal nerve by its tympanic branch and then pass via the tympanic plexus and the lesser petrosal nerve to the otic ganglion. Here, the fibres synapse, and the postganglionic fibers pass by communicating branches to the auriculotemporal nerve, which conveys them to the parotid gland. They produce vasodilator and secretomotor effects.
Function
Parasympathetic input from fibers of the inferior salivatory nucleus stimulates the parotid gland to produce vasodilation and secrete saliva.