Function and Lesions of Nucleus Ambiguus
- Controls motor innervation of ipsilateral muscles of the soft palate, pharynx, larynx, and upper esophagus
- Lesions result in nasal speech, dysphagia, dysphonia, and deviation of the uvula toward the contralateral side
- Plays a role in speech and swallowing
- Innervates postganglionic parasympathetic neurons in the heart

Areas supplied by Nucleus Ambiguus
- Muscles supplied by the vagus nerve, including levator veli palatini, are necessary for proper swallowing
- Integration by the nucleus of the solitary tract is involved in swallowing
- Vagus nerve supplies upper part of the esophagus, pharynx, and larynx
- External formation of the nucleus ambiguus contains cholinergic preganglionic parasympathetic neurons for the heart
- These neurons have a cardioinhibitory effect

Cardiac and Bronchopulmonary Effects of Nucleus Ambiguus
- Nucleus ambiguus, along with sympathetic outflow, regulates quick changes in blood pressure
- Parasympathetic outflow from the nucleus ambiguus and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve decreases cardiac activity in response to fast increases in blood pressure
- External formation of the nucleus ambiguus sends bronchoconstrictor fibers to the bronchopulmonary system
- This can cause reflexive decreases in pulmonary bronchial airflow
- Role in bronchospastic diseases like COPD/emphysema and asthma, particularly for exercise-related asthma exacerbations

Additional Images of Nucleus Ambiguus
- Section of the medulla oblongata at about the middle of the olive
- Schematic representation of cranial nerve nuclei, showing motor nuclei in red and sensory nuclei in blue
- Schematic representation of nuclei of origin of cranial motor nerves, shown in a lateral view
- Transverse section of the medulla oblongata, showing the formatio reticularis
- Images provide visual representation of the nucleus ambiguus and its location in the medulla oblongata

Related Concepts and References
- Solitary nucleus, another important nucleus in the medulla oblongata
- Related nucleus involved in sensory processing and integration
- Provides additional context and understanding of the neural circuitry in the medulla oblongata
- Relevant research articles and studies related to the nucleus ambiguus and its functions
- Additional resources and information for further exploration of the topic provided by Medical Neurosciences