The nucleus ambiguus is located in the medulla in which portions?

The nucleus ambiguus is located in the medulla in which portions?

• A. Upper and mid medulla
• B. Lower medulla
• C. Pons
• D. Midbrain

Answer: (A)

The nucleus ambiguus is a motor nucleus of the medulla that gives rise to the nerves controlling muscles of the pharynx, larynx, and soft palate (via IX, X, and XI). It sits in the ventrolateral region of the rostral to middle medulla, so its location spans the upper and middle portions of the medulla. This is distinct from the pons or midbrain, and it isn’t confined to the caudal (lower) medulla. Therefore, the best way to describe its location is in the upper and mid parts of the medulla.

The nucleus ambiguus is a motor nucleus of the medulla that gives rise to the nerves controlling muscles of the pharynx, larynx, and soft palate (via IX, X, and XI). It sits in the ventrolateral region of the rostral to middle medulla, so its location spans the upper and middle portions of the medulla. This is distinct from the pons or midbrain, and it isn’t confined to the caudal (lower) medulla. Therefore, the best way to describe its location is in the upper and mid parts of the medulla.