Dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus

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The dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus is located in the medulla oblongata.

Details
Synonyms
Pronunciation
Carnegie stage
Days
Precursor
Gives rise to
Part of	Medulla oblongata

The dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) is a cranial nerve nucleus for the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) located in the medulla oblongata of the brainstem. It plays a crucial role in the autonomic control of the parasympathetic nervous system.

Anatomy

The dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus is situated in the floor of the fourth ventricle within the medulla oblongata. It is located dorsally to the hypoglossal nucleus and is medial to the solitary nucleus. The DMV is elongated in shape and extends from the level of the obex to the pontomedullary junction.

Function

The primary function of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus is to provide parasympathetic innervation to the thoracic and abdominal viscera. It is responsible for the regulation of various autonomic functions, including:

• Heart rate modulation
• Gastrointestinal motility
• Secretion of digestive enzymes
• Bronchoconstriction

The DMV sends preganglionic parasympathetic fibers through the vagus nerve to synapse on ganglia located near or within the target organs.

Neurotransmitters

The neurons of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus primarily use acetylcholine as their neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine acts on muscarinic receptors in the target organs to exert its effects.

Clinical Significance

Dysfunction of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus can lead to a variety of clinical conditions, including:

• Gastroparesis
• Bradycardia
• Dysphagia
• Autonomic dysreflexia

Damage to the DMV can occur due to stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, or trauma.

Connections

The dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus receives input from several sources, including:

• The solitary nucleus, which provides sensory information from the viscera
• The hypothalamus, which modulates autonomic responses
• The reticular formation, which integrates various autonomic functions

Development

The development of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus begins in the embryonic stage from the neural tube. It differentiates from the alar plate of the developing brainstem.

Research

Recent research has focused on the role of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus in vagal nerve stimulation therapies for conditions such as epilepsy and depression.

See also

• Vagus nerve
• Medulla oblongata
• Parasympathetic nervous system