What are the functions of salivatory nuclei?

• A. Salivation & lacrimation
• B. Pupillary reflex
• C. Skeletal muscle movement
• D. Hearing

Answer: (A)

Salivatory nuclei coordinate parasympathetic control of glands in the head, specifically driving saliva and tears. There are two nuclei in the medulla that send preganglionic parasympathetic fibers. These fibers travel with the facial nerve to the pterygopalatine and submandibular ganglia, producing lacrimation and salivation from the glands they innervate. Fibers from the inferior salivatory nucleus travel with the glossopharyngeal nerve to the otic ganglion, then to the parotid gland, also contributing to saliva production. In short, activation of these nuclei increases salivation and tear production. This differs from pupillary reflex, which uses the Edinger-Westphal nucleus; skeletal muscle movement, which is somatic motor control; and hearing, which involves the vestibulocochlear system, not the salivatory pathways.