Solitary nucleus

The nucleus of the solitary tract ( German: " the core of the solitary tract "; Synonyms: nucleus solitarius; rarely the German term taste core is used ) is a cranial nerve nucleus which specifically and allgemeinviszeroafferente fibers from the three cranial nerve facial nerve (VII ), glossopharyngeal ( IX) and vagus nerve receives (X).

Location and construction

Between the viszerosensorischen zone of the caudal pons and the medulla oblongata is the nucleus of the solitary tract. It consists mainly of peptidergic neurons, with the neurotransmitters vasoactive intestinal peptide, corticotropin-releasing factor and dynorphin. It divides it into an upper core section (synonym: Nucleus ovalis; Pars gustatoria ), a medial core portion and a caudal core section. In the pars gustatoria of the nucleus of the solitary tract specially - visceroafferente fibers end pseudounipolarer ganglia. These are the inferior ganglion ( nodose ) of the vagus nerve, inferior ganglion ( petrosal ) of the glossopharyngeal nerve and the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve. Here the ganglion nodosum Geschmacksafferenzen leads from the epiglottis, the petrosal ganglion Geschmacksafferenzen from the posterior third of the tongue and the geniculate ganglion afferents from the anterior two thirds of the tongue to the core complex. In the medial and caudal core area generally terminate - visceroafferente fibers of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves. They innervate inter alia, the mucous membranes of the pharynx and larynx and cause fibers from the chemoreceptors in the carotid body and baroreceptors ( Drucksinneskörperchen ) in the carotid sinus.

The descending, the core fibers are supplied as solitary tract called. The core complexes commonly referred to as towards solitary tract nucleus, are arranged around the solitary tract around.

Function

As the German name " taste core " implies, run on this core important functions of food intake. These are for example the flow of saliva and chewing and swallowing, and the stimulation of insulin release. The axons of the taste buds meet together in the nucleus of the solitary tract. The impulses are passed on to the brain, where they are processed.

Within the reflex arc a coordination function is attributed to the solitary tract nucleus. The nucleus of the solitary tract is also the aim of afferent neural pathways, that is for sensitive and sensory perception responsible neural pathways. About they get for example emetogenic stimuli ( retching ) from the gastrointestinal tract to the central nervous system. This is a protective function, for example after recording unbekömmlicher food components in the mouth.