An HRP study of the central connections of the facial nerve in the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos L.)

Abstract

The location of several facialis innervated muscles has been determined by injecting individual muscles with horseradish peroxidase. The depressors of the lower jaw are represented in the dorsal facial motor nucleus and the tongue retractor muscles in the intermediate facial motor nucleus. HRP was also directly applied to the rostral and caudal branch of the facial nerve. The afferent connections are described including two small projections to the principal sensory nucleus and n. interpolaris which were not found in birds before.