Function of the Dorsal Motor Nucleus of the Vagus

The dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus was destroyed in cats. After periods of survival ranging from 9 to 44 days the response of heart, bronchi, esophagus, and duodenum to stimulation of the distal end of the cut cervical vagus was within the normal range or slightly depressed. It is concluded that the dorsal motor nucleus is not a major source of visceromotor fibers.