Nucleus ambiguus
Group of motor neurons in the brain stem / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The nucleus ambiguus ("ambiguous nucleus" in English) is a group of large motor neurons, situated deep in the medullary reticular formation named by Jacob Clarke.[1] The nucleus ambiguus contains the cell bodies of neurons that innervate the muscles of the soft palate, pharynx, and larynx which are associated with speech and swallowing. As well as motor neurons, the nucleus ambiguus contains preganglionic parasympathetic neurons which innervate postganglionic parasympathetic neurons in the heart.[2]
Nucleus ambiguus | |
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Details | |
Identifiers | |
Latin | nucleus ambiguus |
NeuroNames | 765 |
NeuroLex ID | birnlex_2650 |
TA98 | A14.1.04.253 |
TA2 | 6011 |
FMA | 54588 |
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy |
It is a region of histologically disparate cells located just dorsal (posterior) to the inferior olivary nucleus in the lateral portion of the upper (rostral) medulla. It receives upper motor neuron innervation directly via the corticobulbar tract.
This nucleus gives rise to the branchial efferent motor fibers of the vagus nerve (CN X) terminating in the laryngeal, pharyngeal muscles, and musculus uvulae;[3] as well as to the efferent motor fibers of the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) terminating in the stylopharyngeus muscle.