Salivatory nuclei

The salivatory nuclei are two general visceral efferent nuclei located in the caudal pons, dorsal and lateral to the facial nucleus. Their neurons give rise to preganglionic parasympathetic nerve fibers in the control of salivation. The superior salivatory nucleus supplies fibers to the intermediate nerve (part of the facial nerve (CN VII). The inferior salivatory nucleus supplies fibers to the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX). The nuclei may also be involved in parasympathetic control of (extracranial and intracranial) head vasculature.