The nucleus solitarius is a long cell column extending the length of the medulla. It lies just lateral to the sulcus limitans, and is posterior and medial to the spinal nucleus of V. The primary afferent axons of ganglion cells form the solitary tract which is easy to see as it is surrounded by the cells of the nucleus. The rostral half of solitarius nucleus has the secondary neurons of the taste system (SVA) and receives primary afferents from CN VII, IX, & X. The caudal half of solitarius is general visceral afferent (GVA) and receives from CN IX & X.
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