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

Nuclei of the general and special visceral afferent columns include the ncl. tractus solitarii, and other smaller nuclei. The ncl. tractus solitarii is located in the medulla oblongata and receives fibers from the n. vagus, n. glossopharyngeus and n. facialis 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 tractus solitarius and ncl. tractus solitarius can also be appreciated from a posterior view (see previous image).