Axons of neurons found in the nucleus ambiguus innervate the muscles of the palate, larynx, and pharynx via cranial nerves IX (glossopharyngeal), X (vagus), and XI (spinal accessory). The glossopharyngeal nerve is most rostral, followed by the vagus, and the spinoaccessory nerve (most caudal). The glossopharyngeal nerve innervates the stylopharyngeus muscle. In addition, the spinoaccessory nerves eventually join with vagus nerve to innervate the muscles of the larynx. The vagus nerve mostly innervates the palatal, pharyngeal, and laryngeal muscles. The nucleus ambiguus is also connected to neighboring nuclei (trigeminal nucleus and nucleus solitarius) to control reflex arcs for swallowing, coughing, and vomiting.