[UW Anatomy | Contents]

Function:
Preganglionic parasympathetic cells that are involved in the secretion of saliva from the parotid gland. Visceromotor component of C.N. IX.

Pathway:
Nucleus lies immediately MEDIAL to nucleus ambiguus. Preganglionic parasympathetic fibers exit the medulla dorsal and lateral to the inf. olive and pass to the otic ganglion. Axons arising from cells in otic ganglion terminate on secretory cells in parotid gland.

Deficits:
Lesion MEDIAL to nucleus ambiguus results in loss of saliva secretion from IPSI. parotid gland.

Other Note:
LESION WILL NOT RESULT IN COMPLETE LOSS OF SALIVATION. ALSO, CELLS IN INF. SALIV. NUC. DO NOT PROJECT DIRECTLY TO PAROTID!