Nucleus ambiguus

Nucleus ambiguus is a nucleus in the medulla oblongata that supplies nerves the upper airway including the pharynx, larynx, soft palate and upper esophagus and so named because of the difficulty in finding and variability across species.

Function

The nerves supplied via the nucleus ambiguus are responsible for swallowing and speaking.

Effect on the heart

The nucleus ambiguus also contains vagal efferent neurons that inhibit the heart rate.

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  Section of the medulla oblongata at about the middle of the olive.
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  The cranial nerve nuclei schematically represented; dorsal view. Motor nuclei in red; sensory in blue.
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  Nuclei of origin of cranial motor nerves schematically represented; lateral view.
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  The formatio reticularis of the medulla oblongata, shown by a transverse section passing through the middle of the olive.