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What are general visceral efferent nerves?
General visceral efferent fibers carry parasympathetic autonomic axons.
Which cranial nerves carry general visceral efferent nerves?
The following cranial nerves carry general visceral efferent fibers:
• Cranial nerve III (Edinger–Westphal nucleus): the preganglionic fibers from the Edinger–Westphal nucleus terminate in the ciliary ganglion, and the postganglionic fibers innervate the pupil.
• Cranial nerve VII (superior salivatory nucleus): the preganglionic fibers from the superior salivatory nucleus terminate in the pterygopalatine and submandibular ganglion. The postganglionic fibers innervate the lacrimal gland (from the pterygopalatine ganglion) and the submandibular and sublingual gland (from the submandibular ganglion).
• Cranial nerve IX (inferior salivatory nucleus): the preganglionic fibers from the inferior salivatory nucleus terminate in the otic ganglion, and the postganglionic fibers innervate the parotid gland.
• Cranial nerve X (dorsal motor nucleus): the dorsal motor nucleus innervates the abdominal viscera.