Nucleus Ambiguus: Function, Structure & Facts
The nucleus ambiguus is a efferent fibers that connect the glossopharyngeal (CN IX) and vagus (CN X) nerves. Ambiguus originates due to its difficult-to-find position and its variation across species. Its place of origin is the reticular structure of the Medulla Oblongata.
The nucleus ambiguus contains fibers that are responsible for the innervation of the muscles of the larynx and pharynx and the soft palate. In addition, the nucleus is involved in parasympathetic cardiac inhibition via CN and X. The nucleus’s ambiguous nucleus is afflicted with ambiguus can cause hoarseness and dysphagia. these are typical of the medullary syndrome lateral (Wallenberg syndrome).
What is Nucleus?
The nucleus is a membrane-bound organ that contains the genetic material (DNA) of eukaryotes. In this way, it maintains cell integrity by facilitating transcription and replication processes.
It is the largest organelle of the cell, accounting for about one-tenth of the entire cell volume. This makes it one of the most easily identified organisms under the microscope.
Nucleus Functions
Only appears in the non-segmented phase. In the non-dividing phase, It is composed of a chromatin network and a nucleoplasm. The nucleus disappears and the chromosomal content is replaced by chromosomes in dividing cells. Chemically, the nucleus is made up of DNA, RNA, and proteins (including enzymes). It consists of four parts: nuclear membrane, nucleolus, nucleoplasm, and chromosome.
Nucleus Structure
As an organelle containing the cell’s genetic material, this can be called a command center. Therefore, the nucleus is composed of several structured elements that can make it work. This section focuses on the structure of the unit.
Typically, the nucleus has a spherical shape, as shown in most books. However, depending on the cell type, it may be flattened, oval, or irregular. For example, the nucleus of columnar epithelial cells looks longer than the other cells. However, the size of the nucleus may also change as the cell matures.
Functions of Nucleus
It performs the following functions:
- It controls all the activities of the cell.
- It regulates the transfer of genetic characteristics from parents to offspring.
- Three types of RNA are synthesized in the cell, namely mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA. These RNAs are involved in protein synthesis.
The Nuclear Membrane
The nuclear membrane is one aspect that distinguishes eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells. Eukaryotic cells have a nuclear-bound membrane, which is not the case for prokaryotes that lack membrane-bound organelles (such as bacteria).
Like other organelles in eukaryotes, the nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle. Like the cell membrane, the nuclear membrane is a double-layer structure composed of phospholipids (forming lipid bilayer nuclear membranes).
There are nuclear holes (containing proteins) present on the nuclear membrane, through which substances enter or leave the cell (RNA, proteins, etc.). Although lipid billers are separated by a thin space (perinuclear pool), studies have shown that they fuse into the pores.
Nucleoplasm
The nucleoplasm, also known as the nucleoplasm joint, is a protoplasm composed of enzymes, dissolved salts, and many organic molecules. In addition, the nucleoplasm helps buffer and therefore protects the nucleoli and chromosomes, while also helping to maintain the overall shape of the nucleus.
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