The nucleus raphe obscurus projects to the cerebellar lobes VI and VII and to crus II along with the nucleus raphe pontis.

[1] The nucleus raphes obscurus has also been implicated in the modulation of the hypoglossal nerve.

It has been observed that the ablation of this nucleus causes a change in the firing pattern of this cranial nerve.

[2] In addition, the nucleus raphe obscurus mediates expiration via the effect of serotonin and depresses periodic synaptic potentials.

[3] It has also been shown that this nucleus stimulates gastrointestinal motor function; microinjections of 5-HT into the nucleus raphe obscurus increase gastric movement.