Gustatory (Taste) Pathway |
|
|
The
receptors are gustatory cells of taste buds
-
Distributed on the tongue, the epiglottis
and palate.
- From the anterior two thirds,
nerve fibres join the chorda tympani.
- From the posterior one third,
they join the glossopharyngeal nerve.
- The fibres from the extreme pharyngeal
part as well as the epiglottis
join the vagus nerve (Some fibres e.g.
from the palate may be in the trigeminal nerve).
|
|
|
Secondary gustatory projections |
|
- The primary order neurons terminate in the gustatory nucleus
- Secondary fibre systems arising from the gustatory nucleus project to ventral posteromedial nucleus of the thalamus .
- Others project to :
a) Hypoglossal
b)
Salivatory nuclei
c)
Dorsal motor nucleus of vagus nerve
d)
Phrenic nerve nucleus
e)
Anterior horn cells of thoracic spinal segments
f) Pontine taste area
- Third order neurons projects to both the insular and parietal opercular cortex.
- Cell bodies are located in geniculate, inferior glossopharyngeal and vagal ganglia
|