Parasympathetic Nucleus of the Vagus Nerve

The parasympathetic nucleus of the vagus nerve consists of VE preganglionic parasymapthetic neuron cell bodies that send axons into the vagus nerve to synapse in terminal autonomic ganglia in thoracic and abdominal viscera. A rostral extension of the nucleus (caudal salvatory nucleus) sends axons into the glossopharyngeal nerve (to synapse in the otic ganglion and innvervate parotid and zygomatic salivary glands) .