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In the human brain, the solitary nucleus (nucleus of the solitary tract, nucleus solitarius, ''nucleus tractus solitarii'', NTS) is a series of nuclei (clusters of nerve cell bodies) forming a vertical column of grey matter embedded in the medulla oblongata. Through the center of the NTS runs the solitary tract, a white bundle of nerve fibers, including fibers from the facial, glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves, that innervate the NTS. The NTS projects to, among other regions, the reticular formation, parasympathetic preganglionic neurons, hypothalamus and thalamus, forming circuits that contribute to autonomic regulation. Cells along the length of the NTS are arranged roughly in accordance with function; for instance, cells involved in taste are located in the higher, more forward ("rostral") part, while those regulating cardio-respiratory and gastrointestinal processes are found in the lower, more posterior ("caudal") part. ==Inputs== * Taste information from the facial nerve (anterior 2/3 of the tongue), glossopharyngeal nerve (posterior 1/3) and vagus nerve (small area on the epiglottis) * Chemoreceptors and mechanoreceptors of the general visceral afferent pathway (GVA) in the carotid body via glossopharyngeal nerve, and aortic bodies via the vagus nerve * Chemically and mechanically sensitive neurons of the general visceral afferent pathway (GVA) with endings located in the heart, lungs, airways, gastrointestinal system, pharynx, and liver via the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves Neurons that innervate the NTS 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. Neurons which transmit signals about the gut wall, the stretch of the lungs, and the dryness of mucous membranes also innervate the NTS. The first central neurons within the NTS can participate in simple autonomic reflexes. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「solitary nucleus」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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