PNS cranial outflow

Question 1

Where do the parasympathetic portions of cranial nerves III, VII, and IX remain?

Answer 1

in the head region. The preganglionic axons synapse with ganglia in the head. They don’t leave the head.

Question 2

What do PNS postganglionic fibers innervate?

Answer 2

glands and smooth muscle (cranial nerves)

Question 3

where are the parasympathetic postganglionic neurons in the head found?

Answer 3

the ciliary ganglia (III), ptergopalatine and submandibular ganglia (VII) and otic gangla (IX).

Question 4

How does the vagus innervate?

Answer 4

It does not project to a parasympathetic ganglion in the head. Its postglanglionic parasympathetic neurons are located in the walls of its target organs, like heart, bronchi, stomach and intestines.