Nucleus Tractus Solitarius

Summary

The nucleus tractus solitarius, also known as the nucleus solitarius or solitary nucleus, is a cluster of neurons in the brainstem that synthesizes sensory information from several sources to coordinate vomiting. In particular, this nucleus receives information from the facial nerve, the glossopharyngeal nerve, as well as the vagus nerve. It processes this sensory information to decide if vomiting is necessary, and sends this vomiting decision to other parts of the brain to execute.

Key Points

• Nucleus (Tractus) Solitarius
  • Cranial nerve nucleus also known as the solitary nucleus or nucleus solitarii
  • Function
    • Receives visceral sensory information (e.g. taste, baroreceptors, gut distension)
      • E.g. bad tasting foods
    • Coordinates vomiting
      • Receives from and transmits to medullary area postrema, GI tract via the vagus nerve, vestibular system, hypothalamus
  • Nerve fibers carried by
    • CN VII (Facial Nerve)
    • CN IX (Glossopharyngeal Nerve)
    • CN X (Vagal Nerve)