[UW Anatomy | Contents]

Function:
Preganglionic parasympathetic neurons associated with C.N. X (the VAGUS).

Pathway:
Axons of neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus give rise to preganglionic parasympathetic axons that terminate in terminal ganglia (NOT IN SYMPATHETIC TRUNK). Postganglionic parasympathetic neurons give rise to axons that innervate heart, lungs, viscera.

Deficits:
Unilateral lesion of the dorsal motor nucleus results in an INCREASE in heart rate (tachycardia). Sympathetics are dominating-fright, flight.

Other Note:
DON'T WORRY ABOUT ALL THE DETAILS OF VISCERAL INNERVATION.