Persistent glossopharyngeal nerve respiratory discharge patterns after ponto-medullary transection.

Shape and size of the nasopharyngeal airway is controlled by muscles innervated facial, glossopharyngeal, vagal, and hypoglossal cranial nerves. Contrary to brainstem networks that drive facial, vagal and hypoglossal nerve activities (FNA, VNA, HNA) the discharge patterns and origins of glossopharyngeal nerve activity (GPNA) remain poorly investigated. Here, an in situ perfused brainstem preparation (n=19) was used for recordings of GPNA in relation to phrenic (PNA), FNA, VNA and HNA.