Which cranial nerve nucleus located in the lateral medulla innervates the muscles of the soft palate, pharynx and larynx via both glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves?

• A Nucleus solitarius
• B Spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve
• C Dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus
• D Nucleus ambiguus ✓

Explanation

The nucleus ambiguus is a column of lower motor neurons in the ventrolateral medulla that sends branchiomotor fibres through the glossopharyngeal, vagus and cranial accessory nerves to striated muscles of the palate, pharynx and larynx. Its destruction in lateral medullary infarction causes hoarseness and dysphagia. The dorsal motor nucleus is preganglionic parasympathetic to viscera, the solitary nucleus is visceral sensory, and the spinal trigeminal nucleus mediates facial pain and temperature, so none can produce these motor deficits.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice, 42nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.