On the presence of ganglion cells in the intracranial portion of the accessory nerve (Xi cranial nerve) in some mammals
Panu, R.; Bo Minelli, L.; Acone, F.; Gazza, F.; Cacchioli, A.; Botti, M.; Palmieri, G.
Italian Journal of Anatomy and Embryology 104(4): 185-194
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 1122-6714 PMID: 10684182 Document Number: 503047
The intracranial tract of the accessory nerve (XI cranial nerve) was studied in some mammals (equines, domestic and wild ruminants, pig, carnivores, rabbit, nutria, guinea pig, hamster, hedgehog). The specimens were embedded in paraffin or paraplast, the sections were stained with cresyl violet, haematoxylin and eosin, or submitted to argentic impregnation. Pseudounipolar ganglion cells were found in all the mammals examined, with the exception of the cat. The number of cells and their variability in the different species and subjects were related. The topography and morphology of the cells were described. This comparative study has demonstrated that the accessory nerve is not a entirely motor nerve, but it is a mixed, motor and sensitive, nerve. Nevertheless, we think further studies are necessary in order to establish the peripheral distribution, the central pathway and the functional role of the pseudounipolar neurons found in the intracranial tract of the accessory nerve.