Brainstem Anatomy

Midbrain

 

Pons

 

Medulla

Nucleus solitarius
  • vagus nerve nuclei in dorso-medial medulla
  • recipient of visceral afferent fibers
  • cough/gag reflex
    • rostral portion: (gustatory)
      • taste input from CN 7,9,10
    • caudal portion: (cardiovascular, GI)
      • uses baroreceptors/chemoreceptors in carotid body (CN 9) and aortic arch (CN 10)