Inferior ganglion of vagus nerve

Anatomy

The inferior ganglion of vagus nerve is elongated. It is larger than the superior ganglion of vagus nerve. It is situated within the jugular fossa, just inferior to the jugular foramen.

Structure

The inferior ganglion contains the neuron cell bodies of all sensory fibres of the CN X except those of the auricular branch of vagus nerve.

The neurons in the inferior ganglion of the vagus nerve are pseudounipolar and provide sensory innervation (general somatic afferent and general visceral afferent).

The axons of the neurons which innervate the taste buds of the epiglottis synapse in the rostral portion of the solitary nucleus (gustatory nucleus).

The axons of the neurons which provide general sensory information synapse in the spinal trigeminal nucleus.

The axons of the neurons which innervate the aortic bodies, aortic arch, respiratory and gastrointestinal tract, synapse in the caudal part of the solitary nucleus.

Distribution

The neurons in the inferior ganglion of the vagus nerve innervate the taste buds on the epiglottis, the chemoreceptors of the aortic bodies and baroreceptors in the aortic arch. Most importantly, the majority of neurons in the inferior ganglion provide sensory innervation to the heart, respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts and other abdominal organs such as the urinary bladder.

Development

The neurons in the inferior ganglion of the vagus nerve are embryonically derived from epibranchial neurogenic placodes.