Nucleus of the solitary tract

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The solitary nucleus and tract also known as “Nucleus of the Solitary Tract” are sensory nuclei that are found in the brainstem. The solitary tract nucleus consists of bilateral columns of neurons that extend from near the spinal cord. The solitary tract nucleus receives information directly from primary afferent neurons located in the peripheral nervous system and convey chiefly information from visceral organs like the heart, lungs and gastrointestinal system as well as gustatory information from the oral and nasal cavities.

Regarding Glossopharyngeal Nerve (CN IX):

The sensory nucleus of the Glossopharyngeal Nerve supplies the posterior 1/3rd of the tongue and the mucous. Nucleus of the Tractus Solitarius receives information concerning taste from the oral cavity. The taste sensations travel through the peripheral axons of cells situated in the ganglion of the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX). The afferent fibers cross the medial line and ascend to the ventral group of nuclei of the opposite thalamus, and also a number of hypothalmic nuclei. The axons of the thalamic cells pass through the internal capsule and corona radiata to end in the lower part of the post central gyrus.

Afferent impulses from the carotid sinus, a baroreceptor situated at the bifurcation of the CCA (Common Carotid Artery), also travel with the glossopharyngeal nerve. They then terminate in the nucleus of the tractus solitarius and are connected to the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve. The glossopharyngeal nerve and the vagus nerve work together in the regulation of arterial blood pressure.

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