Cranial nerve nuclei - sagittal view (afferent) (English)

Nuclei of the general and special visceral afferent columns include the nucleus of the solitary tract, and other smaller nuclei. The nucleus of the solitary tract is located in the medulla oblongata and receives fibers from the vagus, glossopharyngeal and facial nerves via the tractus solitarius. These fibers convey gustatory information from the lingual and palatal mucosa, as well as visceral impulses from the pharynx, esophagus and abdominal alimentary canal. The solitary tract and nucleus of the solitary tract can also be appreciated from a posterior view (see previous image).