Solitary Nucleus - Inputs To The NTS

Inputs To The NTS

• Taste information from nerves VII (anterior 2/3rd taste sensation), IX (posterior 1/3rd general & taste sensation)
• Chemoreceptors in the carotid (via IX) and aortic bodies (via X)
• Stretch receptors from the aorta and carotid arteries called arterial baroreceptors.
• Chemically and mechanically sensitive neurons with endings located in the heart, lungs, airways, gastrointestinal system, and liver (via IX and X)

Neurons that synapse in this nucleus mediate the gag reflex, the carotid sinus reflex, the aortic reflex, the cough reflex, the baroreceptor and chemoreceptor reflexes, several respiratory reflexes and reflexes within the gastrointestinal system regulating motility and secretion.

Information about the gut wall, the stretch of the lungs, and the dryness of mucous membranes also synapse at the NTS. These first central neurons within the NTS can participate in simple autonomic reflexes.