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

The nuclei associated with the general visceral efferent cranial nerves give origin to preganglionic fibers that contribute to the cranial parasympathetic outflow. These fibers end in peripheral ganglia and function to supply smooth muscles and glands. Nuclei of this group include the accessory oculomotor nucleus (also known as the Edinger-Westphal nucleus), the superior and inferior salivatory nuclei and the posterior nucleus of vagus nerve (See previous image to identify these nuclei from a posterior view). The accessory oculomotor nucleus is located in the midbrain, while the salivatory nuclei and posterior nucleus of vagus nerve can be found in the medulla oblongata. The superior salivatory nucleus innervates target structures via the facial nerve (CN VII), while the inferior salivatory nucleus communicates with the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX). The posterior nucleus of the vagus nerve sends parasympathetic visceral efferent fibers to the viscera of the thorax and abdomen via the vagus nerve.