What is the facial colliculus and how is it formed?
The facial colliculus is an elevated area located on the pontine tegmentum (dorsal pons) in the floor of the fourth ventricle. It is formed by fibers from the facial motor nucleus of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) as they loop over the abducens nucleus.
What nerve controls facial muscles?
Sensation on the face is innervated by the trigeminal nerves (V) as are the muscles of mastication, but the muscles of facial expression are innervated mainly by the facial nerve (VII) as is the sensation of taste.
What is the geniculate ganglion?
The geniculate ganglion is a sensory ganglion of the facial nerve (CN VII). It contains the cell bodies of the fibers responsible for conducting taste sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.
What is nervus intermedius?
The nervus intermedius is the sensory and parasympathetic division of the facial nerve. It contains visceral afferent fibers coming from the taste buds of the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and mucous membranes of the pharynx, nose, and palate.
What is the function of oculomotor nerve?
The oculomotor nerve is the third cranial nerve (CN III). It allows movement of the eye muscles, constriction of the pupil, focusing the eyes and the position of the upper eyelid. Cranial nerve III works with other cranial nerves to control eye movements and support sensory functioning.
What is the function of the vagus nerve?
The vagus nerve is responsible for the regulation of internal organ functions, such as digestion, heart rate, and respiratory rate, as well as vasomotor activity, and certain reflex actions, such as coughing, sneezing, swallowing, and vomiting (17).
Why is nucleus called Ambiguus?
The name ‘ambiguus’ originates from its difficult-to-find location and variation in different species. Its location is in the reticular formation in the medulla oblongata. The nucleus ambiguus provides fibers that innervate the somatic muscles of the pharynx, larynx, and soft palate.