Parasympathetic nuclei

Abstract

A series of experiments in monkeys using the fluorescent tracer substances Fast Blue and Nuclear yellow as well as wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase injected into the ciliary ganglion has demonstrated labeling in 3 distinct regions of the mesencephalon: (1) anterior median nucleus; (2) Edinger-Westphal nucleus; and (3) the nucleus of Perlia. Further it was shown that the caudal extent of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus reaches the level of the central caudal nucleus of the somatic complex and that the lateral visceral column divided into a major and accessory column at the junction of the middle and posterior one-third of the somatic complex.