Salivatory nuclei

The salivatory nuclei are pre-ganglionic parasympathetic neurons in the caudal pons representing the general visceral efferent (GVE) cranial nerve nuclei giving rise to axons which join (the intermediate nerve component of) the facial nerve (CN VII) and glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) to reach and innervate the salivary as well as lacrimal glands. The nuclei may also be involved in parasympathetic control of (extracranial and intracranial) head vasculature.

Traditionally, they have been subdivided into a superior salivatory nucleus and inferior salivatory nucleus - whose axons join the CN VII and CN IX, respectively - however, their respective neurons do not actually form distinguishable structures.

The pathways of salivary nuclei are:


 * Superior salivatory nucleus → intermediate nerve of facial nerve (CN VII) →
 * greater petrosal nerve → nerve of pterygoid canal → pterygopalatine ganglion (synapse with post-ganglionic neurons) →
 * → palatine nerves and nasal nerves → nasal, palatine, and pharyngeal mucosa
 * → lacrimal gland
 * → ethmoid vessels → choroid
 * chorda tympani → lingual nerve → submandibular ganglion (synapse with post-ganglionic neurons) → submandibular, sublingual, and lingual glands
 * Inferior salivatory nucleus → hypoglossal nerve (CN IX) → tympanic nerve → tympanic plexus → lesser petrosal nerve → otic ganglion (synapse with post-ganglionic neurons) → auriculotemporal nerve → parotid gland

Anatomy
The salivary nuclei are located in the pontine tegmentum.

Afferents
The nucleus receives cortical stimuli from the nucleus of solitary tract via the dorsal longitudinal fasciculus and reflex connections.