Central distribution of efferent components in the greater petrosal nerve of the cat.
Central distribution of efferent components in the greater petrosal nerve (GPN) of the cat was examined by applying HRP to the central cut end of the GPN in the pterygopalatine fossa. Efferent neurons of the GPN are located in the lateral reticular formation from the levels of the exiting root of the facial nerve to the most caudal level of the facial nucleus. The axons of these neurons follow bent courses in the tegmental region of the lower brainstem to form a small genu medially to the genu of the axons of the facial motoneurons.
D000818:Animals; D001339:Autonomic Fibers, Preganglionic; D001931:Brain Mapping; D002415:Cats; D002814:Chorda Tympani Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D009476:Neurons, Efferent; D010275:Parasympathetic Nervous System / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D011149:Pons / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D012154:Reticular Formation / Q000033:anatomy & histology*