Which nuclei are considered visceral motor nuclei of the brainstem?

Which nuclei are considered visceral motor nuclei of the brainstem?

• A. Edinger-Westphal nucleus, salivatory nuclei, dorsal motor nucleus
• B. Edinger-Westphal nucleus only
• C. Salivatory nuclei only
• D. Dorsal motor nucleus only

Answer: (A)

Visceral motor nuclei are the brainstem centers that give rise to preganglionic parasympathetic neurons, sending out autonomic signals to glands and to smooth muscle in the thorax and abdomen. They’re associated with cranial nerves III, VII, IX, and X. The Edinger-Westphal nucleus sits with the oculomotor complex and provides parasympathetic signals to the ciliary ganglion, which controls pupil constriction and lens accommodation. The salivatory nuclei (including the superior and inferior salivatory groups) contain preganglionic parasympathetic neurons that travel with the facial and glossopharyngeal nerves to innervate glands such as lacrimal, submandibular, and sublingual glands. The dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus supplies the vagal preganglionic parasympathetic output to most thoracic and abdominal viscera via the vagus nerve. Together, these nuclei constitute the brainstem visceral motor system, distinct from somatic motor nuclei that control skeletal muscles.

Visceral motor nuclei are the brainstem centers that give rise to preganglionic parasympathetic neurons, sending out autonomic signals to glands and to smooth muscle in the thorax and abdomen. They’re associated with cranial nerves III, VII, IX, and X. The Edinger-Westphal nucleus sits with the oculomotor complex and provides parasympathetic signals to the ciliary ganglion, which controls pupil constriction and lens accommodation. The salivatory nuclei (including the superior and inferior salivatory groups) contain preganglionic parasympathetic neurons that travel with the facial and glossopharyngeal nerves to innervate glands such as lacrimal, submandibular, and sublingual glands. The dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus supplies the vagal preganglionic parasympathetic output to most thoracic and abdominal viscera via the vagus nerve. Together, these nuclei constitute the brainstem visceral motor system, distinct from somatic motor nuclei that control skeletal muscles.