Brainstem Parasympathetic Nuclei

Locations of brainstem parasympathetic nuclei are shown from three proints of view (dorsal, sagittal, and transverse). The parasympathetic oculomotor nucleus (parasympathetic nucleus of III) innervates smooth muscle within the eye. The parasympathetic nucleus of VII innervates nasal, lacrimal and ventral salivary glands via the facial nerve. The parasympathetic nucleus of IX innervates parotid and zygomatic salivary glands via the glosssopharyngeal nerve. The parasympathetic nucleus of the vagus innervates thoracic and abdominal viscera (cardiac preganglionic neurons reside in nucleus ambiguus).

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