The macroscopical and microscopical structures of the medulla oblongata and the pons of the mouse, and the retrograde degenerative changes appearing in the dorsal vagal nucleus after division of the vagus in the cervical region are presented. To study these subjects, Nissl staining, a modification of Cajal's silver impregnation and myelin technique were used. The results obtained are summarized as follows:
1. The dorsal vagal nucleus is composed of cells of three types: the large, the medium-sized and the small. The large and the medium-sized cells have a well-defined nucleus with a clear nucleolus, and a moderate amount of Nissl granules. The small cells are spindly or oval in shape, with a comparatively large nucleus and scanty Nissl granules.
2. About 70 % of the cells in the dorsal vagal nucleus undergo chromatolytic changes following section of the cervical vagus. This proves that it is one of the main sources of vagal preganglionic fibers. The chromatolytic cells are most numerous in the rostral second one-fifth part, and decrease gradually toward the rostral and the caudal parts.
3. About 30% of the cells in the nucleus, however, show- no changes after the same operation. It seems that these unchanged cells are composed of afferent vagal cells and some efferent elements other than the efferent nerve cells concerning the cervical vagus.
4. The present results do not agree with the conclus i o n of some earlier workers who mentioned that the medial part of this nucleus is motor and the lateral is sensory.
5. It is difficult to confirm strictly the localization of cardiac innervation within the dorsal vagal nucleus, though the present results seem to support roughly the view that the caudal portion of the nucleus concerns with cardiac innervation.
6. A small proportion of vagal f ibers decussate within the medulla, since a few chromatolytic cells are found in the heterolateral nucleus after cutting the cervical vagus. However, the appearance and localization of changed cells in the heterolateral side are irregular.
7. No chromatolytic change occurs in the hypoglossal nucleus and the nucleus of the solitary bundle following division of the vagus in the cervical region.
8. Macroscopically aspects of the medulla oblongata and the pons of the mouse are described.
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