Tractus solitarius

Tractus Solitarius

The Tractus Solitarius (also known as the Solitary Tract or Solitary Nucleus) is a structure located in the brainstem that carries sensory information from the internal organs to the brain. It is a crucial component of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.

Anatomy

The Tractus Solitarius is a thin, vertically oriented column of neurons located in the medulla oblongata, a part of the brainstem. It extends from the level of the pons to the lower border of the medulla. The tract is surrounded by the nucleus of the solitary tract, which is a collection of neurons that receive and process the sensory information carried by the tract.

Function

The primary function of the Tractus Solitarius is to carry sensory information from the internal organs to the brain. This information includes signals related to blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and digestive processes. The tract also plays a role in the regulation of the vagus nerve, which is responsible for many of the body's rest-and-digest functions.

The Tractus Solitarius is also involved in the sensation of taste. It receives taste information from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue via the facial nerve, and from the posterior one-third of the tongue and the throat via the glossopharyngeal nerve.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the Tractus Solitarius can result in a variety of symptoms, depending on the extent and location of the damage. These can include difficulty swallowing, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, and altered taste sensation. Conditions that can affect the Tractus Solitarius include stroke, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases.

See Also

• Brainstem
• Autonomic nervous system
• Vagus nerve
• Facial nerve
• Glossopharyngeal nerve